Unscientific methods used to remove spirits (Bhoot-pret) or devil (shaitan) that resides in the individual through counter magic and prayers is known as __________.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Exorcism
Option (1) Electro Convulsive Therapy — Incorrect. ECT is a biomedical therapy in which a psychiatrist gives a mild electric shock to the brain to induce convulsions, when drugs have not worked. It is a medical treatment, not magic or prayer.
Option (2) Dream analysis — Incorrect. Dream analysis is one of the methods Freud used, with free association and analysis of errors, to approach the unconscious and understand the inner functioning of the mind. It is a method of psychology, not the driving out of spirits.
Option (3) Exorcism — Correct. An ancient theory explains abnormal behaviour by 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.
Option (4) Deinstitutionalisation — Incorrect. Deinstitutionalisation came with the reform of asylums in the eighteenth century: it placed emphasis on community care for recovered mentally ill individuals, instead of keeping them in institutions.
NCERT (2025-26): “Historical Background … 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.…” “Historical Background … One aspect of the reform movement was the new inclination for deinstitutionalisation which placed emphasis on providing community care for recovered mentally ill individuals.…” |