Religious Beliefs, Possession States, and Spirits : Three Case Studies from Sri Lanka

Abstract EN

We describe three patients from different religious backgrounds in Sri Lanka whose possession states were strongly influenced by their religious beliefs.

Patient A was a Buddhist who claimed to have special powers given by a local deity named Paththini.

Patient B was a Catholic who experienced spirits around her whom she believed were sent by Satan.

Patient C was a Muslim and believed she was possessed by spirits.

The religious beliefs also influenced the help-seeking behaviour and the rituals or treatments to which they responded.