Understanding Spirit Possession in the Philippines: A Social Representations Approach
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2019
Abstract
Where there are diverse professionals and curers dealing with possession, differences in representations exist. This study uses social representations theory as a frame to examine both the representational overlaps and differences in possession among various Filipino health professionals and the lay distinctly socialised in Western biomedical and psychological lenses and in local religious and traditional folk beliefs. Themes were extracted from 12 individual interviews. Results showed five representational themes, namely: possession as sinakluban, as a vulnerability, as a disease, as kulam, and as being chosen. Findings were discussed in relation to the interface among religion, indigenous beliefs, psychopathological frame, and the Western biomedical model.
Recommended Citation
Angelica Vidallo Ang & Cristina Jayme Montiel (2019) Understanding spirit possession in the Philippines: a social representations approach, Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 22:7, 738-753, DOI: 10.1080/13674676.2019.1646232
