NDLI: Starvation, serotonin, and symbolism. A psychobiocultural perspective on stigmata

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Starvation, serotonin, and symbolism. A psychobiocultural perspective on stigmata

Content Provider	Springer Nature Link
Author	Fessler, Daniel M. T.
Copyright Year	2002
Abstract	Stigmata, wounds resembling those of Christ, have been reported since the 13$^{th}$ century. The wounds typically appear in association with visions following prolonged fasting. This paper argues that self-starvation holds the key to understanding this unique event. Stigmata may result from self-mutilation occurring during dissociation, phenomena precipitated in part by dietary constriction. Psychophysiological mechanisms produced by natural selection adjust the salience of risk in light of current resource abundance. As a result, artificial dietary constriction results in indifference to harm. A variety of data links dramatic dietary constriction, reduced serotonergic functioning, altered states of consciousness, and self-injurious behavior. Catholic representations of Christ's crucifixion provide a cultural context that both motivates and lends meaning to the experiences of individuals whose predispositions and life histories increase the likelihood of dietary constriction, dissociation, and self-mutilation. Examining this case raises interesting questions about both the evolutionary and the cultural grounds for defining individual psychopathology.
Starting Page	81
Ending Page	96
Page Count	16
File Format	PDF
ISSN	15937879
Journal	Mind & Society
Volume Number	3
Issue Number	2
e-ISSN	18601839
Language	English
Publisher	Springer-Verlag
Publisher Date	2002-01-01
Publisher Place	Berlin, Heidelberg
Access Restriction	One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)
Subject Keyword	stigmata fasting serotonin impulsivity self-mutilation dissociation trance Philosophy of Science Economics general Methodology of the Social Sciences Sociology Cognitive Psychology
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Philosophy Sociology and Political Science Experimental and Cognitive Psychology History Economics, Econometrics and Finance Social Psychology Cultural Studies

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