Possession phenomena: A critical literature review

This study critically reviews literature from both scientific and faith-based perspectives on the phenomena associated with spirit possession. The purpose of this review is to provide information to psychologists that will allow for the conceptualization and development of more informed theories and interventions regarding ways that individuals experiencing these phenomena may be treated in a clinical setting. Research studies and scientific literature that address possession phenomena as a whole are scarce. Great variation exists in both science-based and faith-based literature regarding questions of etiology, the mechanisms behind how the phenomena operate, their purpose or function, and the approaches used to resolve the phenomena. Clinical implications from the literature review are identified and discussed.