Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Psychology

Chapter

Psychological Disorders

Question:

Which of the following is the ancient theory for explaining abnormal behavior?

Options:

The biological approach

The psychological approach

The operation of supernatural and magical forces

The demonology approach

Correct Answer:

The operation of supernatural and magical forces

Explanation:

One ancient theory that is still encountered today holds that abnormal behaviour can be explained by the operation of supernatural and magical forces such as evil spirits (bhoot-pret), or the devil (shaitan). Exorcism, i.e. removing the evil that resides in the individual through countermagic and prayer, is still commonly used. In many societies, the shaman, or medicine man (ojha) is a person who is believed to have contact with supernatural forces and is the medium through which spirits communicate with human beings. Through the shaman, an afflicted person can learn which spirits are responsible for her/his problems and what needs to be done to appease them.