Book

Rx, spiritist as needed: a study of a Puerto Rican community mental health resource

Cornell University PressIthaca, N.Y • Published In 1987 • Pages: [xxxii], [253]

By: Harwood, Alan.

Abstract
Spiritism, a form of psychotherapeutic healing, is the focus of this study. Harwood gathered data on the etiological and nosological system underlying spiritism and he describes the types of problems brought to the spiritist healer or medium, treatment procedures, and various other information. Harwood hoped that this data would benefit Puerto Rican community leaders and advisors. After an introductory chapter describing the methods used in the study, the geographical area, and the sample, the author presents information on the ideology, social organization, and ritual procedures of spiritism. This is followed by a description of spiritist diagnosis and treatment. The author then discusses spiritist concepts and rituals in social interaction. The document concludes with an examination of '…possible relationships between therapists of the spiritist tradition and health facilities that serve a Puerto Rican clientele and the philosophical problems of the nature of healing' (p.5).
Subjects
Personality disorders
Personality disorders
Acculturation and culture contact
Invalidism
Hospitals and clinics
Theory of disease
Sorcery
Magical and mental therapy
Shamans and psychotherapists
Medical care
Medical personnel
General character of religion
Magicians and diviners
Congregations
culture
Puerto Ricans (Mainland)
HRAF PubDate
2002
Region
North America
Sub Region
Regional, Ethnic and Diaspora Cultures
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1992
Field Date
1968-1970 [p. xx]
Coverage Date
1968-1970
Coverage Place
New York, N.Y., United States
Notes
[by] Alan Harwood
Originally published: New York : Wiley, c1977
Includes index. Bibliography: p. 227-241
LCCN
87047599
LCSH
Spiritual healing--New York (City)/Spiritualism--New York (City)/Puerto Ricans--New York (City)--Religious life and customs/Psychotherapy--New York