Demonic possession, multiple personalities, spirit possession, self-healing, and exorcism--the psychological study of such phenomena has long been fraught with difficulties. A strong behavioristic approach in the discipline has resulted in a reluctance to examine internal, intangible, inaccessible mental states that are not readily amenable to experimental investigation. In Altered States of Consciousness and Mental Health, a distinguished group of contributors explores these and other phenomena from a cross-cultural perspective. They dispell common misconceptions, clarify terms, and resolve controversies surrounding the relationships between consciousness and psychological well-being. Historical, biological, psychological, and methodological factors are considered from a variety of cultural contexts. In addition, contributors provide fascinating case studies and interviews for each of the phenomena discussed. This ground-breaking study will be of particular interest to cross-cultural psychologists, anthropologists, sociologists, ethnopsychiatrists, and mental health professionals who find themselves coming into increasing contact with these phenomena. "It is an important contribution to cross-cultural understanding of human thinking. . . . I would recommend it strongly to all psychologists and psychiatrists interested in trying to widen the perspectives of their basically Eurocentric disciplines." --British Journal of Psychiatry "An interesting and thought-provoking collection of papers in this emerging field which deserves to become a standard text in the years ahead." --Clinical Psychology Europe "What the book does is to open discussion and pave the way for more and better investigations of the phenomena of altered states of consciousness and their relation to mental health." --New Zealand Journal of Psychology

"Attitudes Toward Rape suggests strategies for changing ideas about sexual assault, including the types of research and media campaigns that are needed. Anyone who wants factual information about what people believe about sexual assault or wants to change those perceptions should read this book." --The Women's Advocate "The book is an excellent introduction to much of what is known about the treatment of rape and rape victims in our society. The text is well-written clear and easy to read and will be particularly interesting as a general introduction to those not familiar with the area (my partner read parts of it and he said he learned a lot!) and to students/researchers who may find Attitudes Toward Rape useful as a reference guide to the proliferation of studies on rape." --Irina Anderson in BPS Psychology of Women Section Newsletter A probing examination of popular perceptions about sexual violence, this volume provides a critical review of empirical research on rape myths and attitudes. The author draws on case studies, surveys, experiments, and fieldwork to explore how rape is defined; who is seen as responsible for sexual assault; and how rape can be prevented. The research reveals biased and prejudicial attitudes at both institutional and individual levels toward rape victims. This comprehensive and informed volume concludes by suggesting strategies for changing attitudes through the use of social action research that is designed to raise consciousness and improve services for victims of sexual assault. Essential reading for social and clinical psychologists, Attitudes Toward Rape is also an important reference for those working in counseling and women's studies as well as social work and criminal justice.

This innovative book looks at popular perceptions of sexual violence and asks such key questions as: How is `rape' defined? Who is responsible for sexual assault? How can rape be prevented? The author critically examines feminist and psychological theory and research on attitudes towards rape. Drawing on case studies, survey research, experiments, fieldwork and action-oriented research from Europe, North America and Asia, Ward combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to understanding sexual violence. She highlights the negative consequences for rape victims of biased and prejudicial perceptions of sexual violence, including those of legal, medical and helping professionals, and discusses the impact of these attitudes on victims' self-perceptions. The book concludes by suggesting strategies for changing ideas about sexual assault, including, for example, action-oriented research which is designed to raise consciousness and improve services for victims.