A cross-cultural study of dissociational states

The Ohio State University Research Foundation • Columbus, Ohio • Published In • Pages: i-303 •
By Bourguignon, Erika

Abstract

The expressed purpose of the present publication is to provide a typology of institutionalized dissociational states on a world-wide basis, using biological, situational, and cultural parameters. The study is comprised of field work, literature review, ethnographic research, and cross-cultural statistical analysis. The researchers use these findings to aid in the construction of cross-cultural theory, and to provide a platform for further work on dissociational states to continue.

Note

For additional findings on this topic, see Erika Bourguignon's subsequent publications.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)Researcher's Own
Researcher's own

Hypotheses (6)

HypothesisSupported
Possession belief will be related to trance types (13).Supported
Trance will be related to possession types (13).Supported
There will be an association between drugs and trance(T), rather than possession/trance (PT) (20).Supported
"Institutionalized forms of dissociational states are found in all parts of the world...belief in possession by spirits, whether or not expressed in dissociation, while also widespread, is somewhat less prominent"(39).NA
Trance types will be associated with societal characteristics (47-68).supported
Each trance type will be associated with a particular profile of societal characteristics, and will predominate in one (and to a lesser extent in a second) of the six major ethnographic regions (46).Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: emily.pitek  abbe.mccarter