Learning from the Spirits

Candomblé, Umbanda, and Kardecismo in Recife, Brazil

Bibliographic Data

ID2281869
AuthorsStanley Krippner (0000-0003-0928-3564, Saybrook University, corresponding author)
Year2008
Volume19
Issue1
Pages1-32
Publication date2008-05-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAnthropology of Consciousness (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1053-4202 • E-ISSN: 1556-3537
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1556-3537.2008.00001.x
OpenAlexW2047420891
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited31

Brazilian spiritistic religions have developed along elaborate historical and cultural trajectories with spirit mediumship as a central feature of ritual practice in Candomblé, Umbanda, Kardecismo, and similar groups. In these studies, several Brazilian spiritistic practitioners who worked as mediums were interviewed and, in some cases, tested with psychological measures for dissociation using the Dissociative Experiences Scale, for absorption using the Tellegen Absorption Scale, and for sexual orientation using the Kinsey Scale. Few significant gender differences were noted in these measures. In two cases, psychophysiological measures were employed including electroencephalography, heart rate, skin conductance, and electromyography. In general, the research participants scored highly on measures of dissociation while scoring in the average range on absorption (using U.S. norms). The psychophysiological results indicated that for the two spiritistic practitioners investigated overall peripheral autonomic nervous system activation was negatively associated with sympathetic cortical level deactivation. The data suggested a psychophysiological incongruence between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system functioning on the part of the two practitioners. However, the two variables were positively associated and congruent in data obtained from a control subject. Interview data identified five ways in which mediums received their "call to heal," visions, dreams, and unexpected incorporations being the most frequent factors cited. One medium who engages in surgical procedures was observed; tissues were collected from ten clients and were found to be consistent with the site of the surgery. In conclusion, it is apparent that mediumship is a complex phenomenon, one deserving of further investigation by anthropologists, psychologists, and sociologists interested in human consciousness, in indigenous health care, and in the psychophysiology of practitioners who claim to work under the direction of spirit entities

Developmental psychology · Dissociation (chemistry · Electroencephalography · Psychiatry · Skin conductance · Sociology · Vision · Anthropology · Clinical Psychology · Medicine · Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs · Psychology · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Sleep and Wakefulness Research · Social Psychology

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