Doctor, espiritista or psychiatrist?: health-seeking behavior in a Puerto Rican neighborhood of New York City

Garrison, Vivian

article

Doctor, espiritista or psychiatrist?: health-seeking behavior in a Puerto Rican neighborhood of New York City

Medical anthropology • 1 (3) • Published In 1977 • Pages: 65-191

By: Garrison, Vivian.

Abstract
This is a study of Puerto Rican folk medicine referred to as 'Spiritualism' (ESPIRITUALISMO), which has it's roots in Santería, an Afro-American syncretic cult; Spiritism (ESPIRITISMO), a southern European religious philosophy; and witchcraft (BRUJERIA). Although Spiritualism is considered a religion, most Puerto Ricans living in New York City use it only for its medical benefits. Garrison examines the census, and surveys of patients of psychiatric clinics and spiritualists' CENTROS, the congregations of subscribing followers/patients. She found that centros clients do not suffer any more from physical, mental, or emotional disorders than the general population. Also centros do not compete with clinics for patients, rather patients seek out both, first visiting a clinic, and only afterwards a centros if conventional treatment is not beneficial. SANTEROS specialize in treating the spiritual causes of illness and will refer patients suffering from 'material' causes to regular doctors. Garrison argues that spiritualism is akin to psychotherapy and occupies an important place in the healthcare system of Puerto Rican immigrants.

Personality disorders

Morbidity

General character of religion

Sorcery

Magical and mental therapy

Shamans and psychotherapists

Medical therapy

Puerto Ricans (Mainland)

HRAF PubDate

2002

Region

North America