In the culturally rich and diverse Southeastern region of Türkiye, a groundbreaking study has illuminated the complex interplay between psychosis, childhood trauma, dissociation, and culturally framed experiences of jinn-possession. This research, unfolding against a backdrop of deeply rooted folkloric beliefs, challenges contemporary psychiatric paradigms by exploring the nuanced distinctions and overlaps between what Western medicine classifies as schizophrenia and what local tradition might interpret as jinn-possession.
The phenomenon of jinn-possession is entrenched in the collective consciousness of many Middle Eastern and Islamic societies, including Türkiye. Jinn, supernatural beings referenced in Islamic theology, are often implicated in diverse psychological and physiological disturbances perceived within these communities. The new study rigorously investigates individuals presenting with psychotic symptoms who are also believed to be possessed by jinn, juxtaposing their clinical profiles with those diagnosed with schizophrenia, a chronic mental disorder marked by hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive impairments.
Central to this investigation is the revelation that childhood traumatic experiences serve as a significant common denominator in both groups. Trauma, long recognized as a critical factor influencing mental health trajectories, appears to play a pivotal role in the manifestation of both psychotic symptoms and dissociative phenomena associated with jinn-possession narratives. The research underscores how trauma may shape symptom expression within culturally contextualized frameworks, potentially influencing prognosis and therapeutic strategies.
Dissociation emerges as a particularly salient feature in this cross-cultural examination. Traditionally understood as a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory, dissociation in these patients intersects intriguingly with cultural idioms of distress. The study intriguingly posits that dissociative states may underpin experiences interpreted as jinn-possession, complicating differential diagnosis and requiring culturally informed clinical consideration.
By adopting a comparative approach, the research delineates clinical, phenomenological, and psychosocial distinctions between jinn-possession with psychosis and schizophrenia. Such distinctions are critical for clinicians operating in culturally heterogeneous environments, where misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective or even harmful treatment interventions. The findings advocate for integrating cultural competence into psychiatric assessment to tailor interventions that respect patients’ explanatory models of illness while addressing underlying psychiatric pathology.
The methodology employed in the study involved a comprehensive assessment protocol that blended structured clinical interviews, psychometric tools, and ethnographic insights. This multifaceted approach enabled the researchers to capture the complexity of participants’ experiences, bridging biomedical and anthropological paradigms. Notably, the sample comprised individuals who self-identified or were identified by their community as jinn-possessed, alongside those clinically diagnosed with schizophrenia, allowing for a direct inquiry into phenomenological overlaps and divergences.
One of the profound implications of this investigation is its potential to reshape psychiatric practice in regions where supernatural beliefs are deeply integrated with health-seeking behaviors. For example, many individuals with psychosis might first consult religious healers or traditional practitioners capable of invoking spiritual explanations and remedies. Understanding the psychodynamic and socio-cultural underpinnings of jinn-possession phenomena can foster collaborations between mental health professionals and traditional healers, enhancing patient engagement and treatment adherence.
On a neurobiological level, the study hints at pathways through which trauma and dissociation may predispose vulnerable individuals to psychotic disorders, or alternatively, to culturally framed possession states. Although the exact neurophysiological correlates remain to be elucidated, researchers speculate alterations in stress-responsive systems, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and disruptions in neural circuits governing reality testing and emotional regulation.
The discourse emerging from this work challenges the universality of schizophrenia diagnostic criteria by illustrating how cultural contexts mold symptom expression and illness narratives. It compels a reconsideration of rigid diagnostic boundaries, advocating for a dimensional approach that incorporates cultural syndromes, idioms of distress, and local explanatory models. Such an approach aligns with the evolving framework proposed by the World Health Organization’s Cultural Formulation Interview, emphasizing contextually grounded psychiatric evaluation.
Furthermore, this research highlights the need for mental health policy-makers to prioritize cultural competence training for clinicians, particularly in multicultural and migration-sensitive settings. This necessity becomes even more pressing given the global prevalence of trauma exposure and the varied cultural manifestations of mental illness. By embedding cultural awareness within psychiatric education and service delivery, health systems can move toward more equitable and effective mental healthcare.
In addition to its clinical relevance, the study contributes to the anthropological and psychological literature on possession states. It provides empirical data that enrich understanding of how cultural beliefs intersect with neuropsychological vulnerability. The findings advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, incorporating psychiatry, psychology, anthropology, and theology, to fully grasp the multifaceted nature of possession phenomena and their public health implicatures.
The researchers also stress the importance of considering individual patient narratives and subjective experiences when diagnosing and treating psychosis. In many cases, patients’ explanations for their symptoms—such as possession by jinn—are deeply meaningful and intertwined with identity, community, and spiritual worldviews. Recognizing this narrative validity can help reduce stigma, enhance therapeutic alliance, and facilitate holistic recovery pathways.
Moreover, the study’s regional focus sheds light on the unique socio-political and economic factors influencing mental health in Southeastern Türkiye. The area, characterized by socio-economic challenges and ongoing conflict-related stressors, represents a fertile ground for trauma-related psychopathology. This context intensifies the relevance of culturally congruent mental health services capable of addressing both biomedical and psychosocial dimensions of care.
The implications for psychotherapeutic interventions are equally consequential. Tailored therapies that incorporate trauma-informed approaches and respect cultural beliefs about possession may offer superior outcomes compared to standard biomedical models. For instance, integrating narrative therapy, culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and spiritually sensitive counseling can bridge scientific understanding and traditional healing practices.
Finally, this trailblazing research sets a precedent for future investigations exploring the intersections of culture, trauma, dissociation, and psychosis in diverse global contexts. It encourages expanding the scientific inquiry beyond Eurocentric frameworks, supporting the development of global mental health paradigms that truly reflect cultural plurality and complexity.
Subject of Research: The interaction of jinn-possession with psychosis, childhood traumatic experiences, dissociation, and their comparison with schizophrenia in Southeastern Türkiye.
Article Title: Jinn-possession with psychosis, childhood traumatic experiences, and dissociation; a comparison with schizophrenia in the Southeastern region of Türkiye.
Article References: Akbudak, M., Belli, H. & Gökçay, H. Jinn-possession with psychosis, childhood traumatic experiences, and dissociation; a comparison with schizophrenia in the Southeastern region of Türkiye. BMC Psychol 13, 1059 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03434-0
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