Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Reframing voices and visions using a spiritual model: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of anomalous experiences in mediumship

Roxburgh, E. C. and Roe, C. A. (2014) Reframing voices and visions using a spiritual model: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of anomalous experiences in mediumship. Mental Health, Religion and Culture. 17(6), pp. 641-653. 1367-4676.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: Throughout different civilisations and historical epochs, anthropological and religious texts have been replete with accounts of persons who have reported anomalous experiences in the form of visions or voices. In these contexts, such experiences are considered to be a “gift” that can be spiritually enriching or life enhancing. One such group of individuals are mediums who claim to receive information from spirits of the deceased in the form of auditory or visual perceptions. This study explores how mediums come to interpret their experiences as mediumistic and how they describe their relationship with spirit voices. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 Spiritualist mediums using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three themes were identified: “Childhood anomalous experiences”, “A search for meaning: Normalisation of mediumship”, and “relationship with spirit”. These themes illuminated aspects of the mediumistic experience that have therapeutic implications for individuals who have similar experiences but become distressed by them.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Mediumship, mental health, interpretative phenomenological analysis, spiritualism, anomalous experiences
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF1001 Parapsychology. Psychic research. Psychology of the conscious
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF1228 Spiritualism
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF1048 Hallucinations. Sleep. Dreaming. Visions
Creators: Roxburgh, Elizabeth C and Roe, Chris A
Publisher: Routledge
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for the Study of Anomalous Psychological Processes
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Social Sciences (to 2016)
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences
Date: 19 March 2014
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 641-653
Journal or Publication Title: Mental Health, Religion and Culture
Volume: 17
Number: 6
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2014.894007
ISSN: 1367-4676
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
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URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/7041

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