Dismantling the mystery behind the possession: between the Spirit or Suggestion

The possession of possession is a common event found in various cultures throughout the world. Position is characterized by the loss of control over awareness and behavior, which is often followed by changes in sound, expression, even personality, as if the individual was possessed by spirits or non-physical entities.

In Indonesia, this phenomenon is often associated with spiritual and mystical elements, although the medical and psychological approach has tried to explain it scientifically. Some experts call possessed as a form of dissociative disorder that is influenced by the social environment and cultural beliefs.

Cases of possession are found in the school environment, places of worship, to traditional rituals, especially in areas with a high level of trust in the unseen world. Therefore, it is important to analyze objective possession, both from a medical, psychological, and cultural perspective.

The impact of the possession of possession varies greatly depending on the response of the surrounding environment. In educational institutions, for example, mass possessions can trigger panic, disrupt the learning process, and even cause tension between parties. In addition, individuals who experience possessed often feel extreme fatigue or loss of consciousness for a long time, and experience psychological pressure after the incident.

Also read: Relationship of Behavior with a person’s faith level

In some cases, possession also perpetuates public trust in mystical practices, thus inhibiting a rational approach to mental health. Furthermore, if not treated with the right medical or psychological approach, this phenomenon can cause stigma to individuals who have mild mental disorders. Therefore, understanding the impact of possession is not enough from only one aspect, but requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Psychologically, possessed can be associated with psychiatric disorders such as disssociative trance disorder, namely identity disorders and awareness that can appear suddenly. The main causes of this disorder are emotional pressure, trauma, and the influence of the cultural environment. Position can be a form of escape from reality or subconscious defense mechanisms that arise due to severe stress.

For example, students who are under excessive academic pressure can experience possession as a psychological reaction to the inability to bear the burden. Studies from Airlangga University show that possession is often categorized as a form of dissociative disorder, not solely possessed (Yunita, 2023). Therefore, medical and psychological treatment becomes important in parsing the causes of this phenomenon.

The cause of possession itself can be divided into internal and external factors. Internal factors include psychological conditions such as extreme fatigue, anxiety, or unresolved trauma. While external factors can be in the form of social pressure, cultural influences, and trust on dominant magical things in the surrounding environment. Often, the environment that strongly believes in the spirit world creates a collective atmosphere that is conducive to the occurrence of possession.

In this case, possession can be interpreted as a form of strong collective suggestion, especially in individuals who are mentally vulnerable. Research at Semarang State University states that possession is a defense mechanism for psychological pressure experienced in groups, especially in the school environment (Sugiarti, 2020). Therefore, a comprehensive study of various factors causes a scientific possession.

In line with the results of the study, several studies from universities in Indonesia strengthen the view that possession is not merely due to the possession of the Spirit. Studies from Semarang State University show that in many cases, possession occurs in the environment with high social pressure and strong collective culture (Sugiarti, 2020).

Also read: Istiqamah Important Putrilization

The study of UIN Suska Riau even explained that possession can be viewed from the perspective of Islam as a form of imbalance of reason due to weak self -control of emotions (Azmi, 2021). Meanwhile, Airlangga University asserted that from the clinical side, possession can be classified as a dissociative disorder because individuals experience a sudden change in identity out of conscious control (Yunita, 2023). Thus, a multidisciplinary approach that combines psychology, religion, and culture is needed so that this phenomenon is not only explained spiritually.

In my opinion, more logical possession is understood as a psychological reaction triggered by environmental pressure and unstable mental conditions. In society with a high level of trust in mystical things, suggestions can develop strong and affect the way individuals react to stress.

This explains why mass possessions often occur in places such as schools or dormitories that have high pressure and collective culture. When one individual starts to show signs of possession, other people who are in similar mental conditions can be easily affected. This social suggestion is the main trigger for the spread of possession quickly and broadly. So, it is important for the community to be more rational in responding to possession, while respecting existing cultural values.

On the other hand, it cannot be denied that possession in some cultures has important symbolic and spiritual roles. In a certain context, possession is even used as a means of communication between humans and the spirit world, especially in traditional ceremonies or religious rituals. Possessed in this framework is considered not a disturbance, but as a form of devotion or acceptance of revelation.

However, although possessed has a spiritual meaning in certain cultures, scientific and psychological understanding still needs to be used as a foundation in dealing with cases outside the ritual context. Thus, we can maintain a balance between respect for culture and a rational approach to mental health. This will enrich the way we understand this phenomenon from various points of view.

Furthermore, the phenomenon of possession can also be an indicator of structural pressure in the social system, especially in educational or work institutions. Mass possession often occurs in schools that have an academic system that suppresses, lack of attention to students’ mental health, as well as the lack of emotional support from the environment.

In this context, possession is not only an individual problem, but also a reflection of systemic problems that require improvement. Therefore, it is important for educational institutions to create a mental healthy learning atmosphere, through mental health education and training in handling emotional crises. Position can be prevented by a system -based prevention approach, not only supernatural -based healing. That way, psychological well -being can be achieved in a sustainable manner.

Also read: invisible

In conclusion, possession is a complex phenomenon that cannot be explained only from one point of view. Between the alleged involvement of the Spirit and the power of suggestions, both may play a role, depending on the social and cultural context. However, with a scientific approach, we can better understand that possession is often a response to psychological and social pressure.

Combining a medical, psychological, and cultural approach will provide a more complete picture of this phenomenon. Position is not merely a spiritual problem, but also reflects the mental health of the community. Therefore, proper handling will help shape a community that is emotionally and more rational.

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Reference List

• Azmi, I. (2021). Phenomenon of possession in the perspective of psychology and Islam. UIN Suska Riau.
• Sugiarti, R. (2020). Possessed as self defense against stress. Semarang State University.
• Yunita, D. (2023). Possessed: Is a mental disorder? Airlangga University.
  

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Writer: Felia Nur Anggreani
Editor: Rara Zaryry