PSYCH 115 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Spirit Possession, Acedia, Venomous Snake
Document Summary
Trepanation (drilling hole in the skull: theorized that this was done go let out evil spirits; others think it could be done for those with head injuries. Causing misfortune to befall others witch causes this through supernatural powers but it can befall onto them. In 14th century, people would turn to magic/sorcery to solve their problems. It followed that people possessed by evil spirits were responsible for misfortune, which inspired drastic measures against the possessed . Treatments included: exorcism, shaving cross in victims hair and tying them to the front of the church, salem witch trials in 1692. Equally strong opinion that insanity was a natural phenomenon, caused by mental/emotional stress, and that it was curable. Although, the church often identified them as the sin, acedia (or sloth) Common treatments were: rest, sleep, and healthy/happy environment, baths, ointments, and potions.
