“Possession Phenomenon” — or what many cultures describe as being “possessed by a spirit” — is an experience that exists in societies all around the world.
However, from the perspective of psychology and neuropsychology, such episodes are often linked to brain mechanisms, mental processes, and cultural context, rather than the literal presence of a supernatural entity.
Let’s break it down scientifically 👇
🧠 1. Neuroscience Perspective
Research from journals such as The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease (2000) and The Lancet Psychiatry (2014) suggests that symptoms commonly described as “possession” —
for example, sudden voice changes, speaking unknown languages, crying, screaming, or losing control of the body —
can often be explained by neurological conditions, such as:
- Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Causes intense religious or mystical experiences and sensations of being controlled by an external force, or hearing voices that aren’t real.
- Dissociative Trance Disorder: The person “detaches” from the self, feeling as though their body is being controlled by another being.
- Psychotic Disorders (e.g., Schizophrenia): Characterized by delusions and hallucinations, which may be interpreted as spirit possession.
💭 2. Psychological Perspective
In psychology, so-called “possession” is often an expression of severe emotional distress or trauma, especially within cultures that strongly believe in spirits.
👉 For example, individuals under intense stress or grief may enter a dissociative state — temporarily disconnecting from reality —
and unconsciously display behaviors resembling possession as a way to release repressed emotions.
🌏 3. Cultural Anthropology Perspective
Across different societies — such as Thailand, Africa, Indonesia, and Brazil —
“spirit possession” is not always seen as a disorder but rather as a culture-bound syndrome:
a mental and social phenomenon understood only within a specific cultural context.
- In Thailand, it may be viewed as a spirit entering the body.
- In medieval Europe, it was called demonic possession.
- In Haiti, it’s known as loa possession during voodoo rituals.
Each culture provides its own symbolic and communal meaning to the same neurological and psychological experience.
🧩 4. How Belief and the Brain Interact
The brain contains systems for mirror neurons and suggestibility — meaning humans naturally mimic and respond to group behavior or belief.
During communal rituals involving trance or possession, participants’ brains often shift into theta wave states (between wakefulness and sleep).
This altered state can lead to automatic movement, speech, or vocalization without full conscious control —
a neurophysiological foundation for what appears externally as “possession.”
🩺 5. Treatment and Care
If episodes occur frequently or with severe symptoms — such as blackouts, loss of control, or hearing voices —
a psychiatric or neurological evaluation is strongly recommended to rule out medical or psychological causes.
For those who hold spiritual beliefs, traditional rituals may still serve as meaningful psychological healing,
provided they are conducted by trained practitioners in safe and supportive environments.
In practice, a combination of cultural sensitivity and neuroscientific understanding tends to produce the best therapeutic outcomes.
🔖 Key References
- Spiegel, D. (1997). Dissociation and Hypnosis in Neuropsychiatry. American Journal of Psychiatry.
- Devinsky, O. et al. (2000). Religious Experiences and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease.
- The Lancet Psychiatry. (2014). Cultural Concepts of Distress and Possession States.
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR: Dissociative Trance and Possession Disorders.
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