Features
ISBN Number: 9780803932777
Subtitle: (a cross-cultural perspective )
Written by: Ward, Colleen A
Published by: SAGE Publications
Location: Newbury Park Calif. :
Subject: Mental health
Subject: Parapsychology
Subject: Ethnopsychology
Subject: Psychiatry, transcultural
Subject: Altered states of consciousness
Edition Description: Includes bibliographical references.
Series: Cross-cultural research and methodology series ;
Series Volume: v. 545v. 12
Date of Publication: c1989
Cover Type: HARDCOVER
Illustrations: Yes
Number of Pages: 316 p.
Demonic possession, multiple personalities, spirit possession, self-healing, and exorcism--the psychological study of such phenomena has long been fraught with difficulties. A strong behavioristic approach in the discipline has resulted in a reluctance to examine internal, intangible, inaccessible mental states that are not readily amenable to experimental investigation. In Altered States of Consciousness and Mental Health, a distinguished group of contributors explores these and other phenomena from a cross-cultural perspective. They dispell common misconceptions, clarify terms, and resolve controversies surrounding the relationships between consciousness and psychological well-being. Historical, biological, psychological, and methodological factors are considered from a variety of cultural contexts. In addition, contributors provide fascinating case studies and interviews for each of the phenomena discussed. This ground-breaking study will be of particular interest to cross-cultural psychologists, anthropologists, sociologists, ethnopsychiatrists, and mental health professionals who find themselves coming into increasing contact with these phenomena. It is an important contribution to cross-cultural understanding of human thinking. . . . I would recommend it strongly to all psychologists and psychiatrists interested in trying to widen the perspectives of their basically Eurocentric disciplines. --British Journal of Psychiatry An interesting and thought-provoking collection of papers in this emerging field which deserves to become a standard text in the years ahead. --Clinical Psychology Europe What the book does is to open discussion and pave the way for more and betterinvestigations of the phenomena of altered states of consciousness and their relation to mental health. --New Zealand Journal of Psychology Synopsis:
This volume presents various perspectives on altered states of consciousness and mental health and places them within the boundaries of cross-cultural psychology. Part One considers theoretical and methodological issues in the study of altered states of consciousness; Parts Two and Three link altered states of consciousness and mental health by focusing on both its therapeutic and pathological aspects. The final section concentrates on models highlighting a variety of paradigms and diverse methodological approaches.
