“Demonic possession” : a study on the perceptions of mental health professionals surrounding this phenomenon in Malta

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine the attitudes of Maltese mental health professionals towards the phenomenon of demonic possession, and how they support individuals who claim an alleged possession. For this dissertation, a qualitative research approach was chosen. The data from the five participants was gathered using semi-structured interviews, one of which was a pilot study. The participants were mental health professionals, who varied in regards to their years of experience in the field and areas of expertise. The research concluded that mental health professionals view the matter firstly from a medical viewpoint, but do incorporate their understanding of the religious influences of spirituality and culture in the lives of their clients. Professionals collaborate with exorcists and priests, and rely on their expertise to assess a case’s genuineness. Areas that would benefit from further research were highlighted.