The therapeutic role of Khmer mediums (kru borameï) in contemporary Cambodia

Bibliographic Data

ID19504238
AuthorsDidier Bertrand (Schlumberger (Ireland), corresponding author)
Year2005
Volume8
Issue4
Pages309-327
Publication date2005-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueMental Health Religion & Culture (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1367-4676 • E-ISSN: 1469-9737
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13674670412331313177
OpenAlexW2021116782
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited6

In describing the ritualized practices of Cambodian mediums, we want to demonstrate their social and therapeutic role in Cambodian society. We examine the development of mediumnic cults within the context of the restructuring of Cambodian society after several years of war and turmoil. From their names and history in relation to Buddhism, which reinforces their power and credibility, spirits called borameï, who possess the medium, can provide the clients and patients with information about, and solutions to, the problems they are facing. The medium’s practices allow the patient to come into contact with these supernatural entities, and as such the medium can be viewed as performing a role not unlike that which psychotherapists play in contemporary Western society. Providing care and support, these mediums act as dynamic and effective healers of mental health

Buddhism · Credibility · Mental health · Mental healthcare · Political science · Psychiatry · Restructuring · Sociology · Asian Geopolitics and Ethnography · Cambodian History and Society · History · Law · Psychology · Southeast Asian Sociopolitical Studies

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