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Spiritism in Puerto Rico

Results of an Island-Wide Community Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Ann A. Hohmann*
Affiliation:
Biometric and Clinical Applications Branch, Division of Biometry and Applied Sciences, National Institute of Mental Health, Rockville, Maryland
Madeleine Richeport
Affiliation:
Mental Health Secretariat of Puerto Rico and Department of Psychiatry, University of Miami
Bernadette M. Marriott
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Glorisa J. Canino
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Maritza Rubio-Stipec
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Hector Bird
Affiliation:
Division of Child Psychiatry, Columbia University
*
Biometric and Clinical Applications Branch, NIMH, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 18C–14, Rockville, MD 20857, USA

Abstract

Using data from the first community-based, epidemiological survey of Puerto Rico, this paper examines the current prevalence of use of spiritist healers by Puerto Ricans, the role of spiritism in the provision of mental health services, and the association between spiritism and psychiatric disorders and symptoms. Those who visit spiritists were found to be more likely to work outside the home, to have a low family income, to have sought help for emotional problems from mental health professionals, and to have mild symptoms of depression.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1990 

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Footnotes

AAH is a US Government employee, and as such this material is in the public domain and cannot be copyrighted.

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