Zar: Group distress and healing

S. H. Al-Adawi; R. G. Martin; A. Al-Salmi; H. Ghassani

doi:10.1080/13674670124303

Zar: Group distress and healing

S. H. Al-Adawi, R. G. Martin, A. Al-Salmi, H. Ghassani

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper describes Zar, a spiritual cosmology and ritual performance whose meaning is associated with the experience of spirit possession. Commentators on spirit possession such as Zar have provided evidence that it may serve three interrelated functions. It is compatible with religious mythology and cosmology; it may represent a mechanism of psychological manipulation of oppressed individuals and it can be a form of culturally defined group therapy. In this paper, we report the phenomenon of Zar possession in Oman and attempt to relate it to these three interrelated functions.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	47-61
Number of pages	15
Journal	Mental Health, Religion and Culture
Volume	4
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/13674670124303
Publication status	Published - 2001

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Clinical Psychology
Psychiatry and Mental health

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10.1080/13674670124303

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Zar: Group distress and healing

Abstract

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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