I’m back at university! And with my last assignment submitted this week I thought I’d write some psychology posts.

Throughout history, demonic possession has been perceived as a phenomenon in which individuals are believed to be controlled by malevolent spirits or demons. In many cultures, the solution to this affliction was to perform exorcisms, which were religious rituals conducted by priests or other religious figures to drive out the evil spirits.

Exorcisms were often viewed as a last resort, and many believed that only highly trained individuals with strong faith could successfully perform them. Exorcisms typically involved prayer, holy water, and sometimes physical force, such as binding or beating the possessed person, to drive out the demon.

However, despite the belief in exorcism as a cure for possession, these rituals were not always successful and could sometimes cause further harm or trauma to the individual. In some cases, the possessed individual may have been misdiagnosed, and their symptoms may have been caused by other underlying mental health issues.

In modern times, the approach to treating demonic possession has shifted towards a more psychological and scientific approach. Mental health professionals may work with individuals who believe they are possessed to explore the underlying psychological and emotional issues that may be causing their symptoms.

These mental health professionals may use evidence-based treatments such as therapy, medication, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their overall mental health. By addressing the root causes of the individual’s distress, these treatments can provide lasting relief and help prevent future episodes of perceived possession.

One reason for the shift towards a more psychological approach is the increased understanding of mental health and the development of evidence-based treatments. As society becomes more aware of the prevalence of mental health issues, there has been a growing recognition that perceived possession may be a symptom of an underlying mental health issue, rather than an actual demonic possession.

In addition, as people become more secular and less religious, the belief in possession and exorcism has declined. This has led to a greater acceptance of mental health treatment and an increased willingness to seek help from mental health professionals.