International Journal of Contemporary Research in Multidisciplinary

This paper investigates the psychology of trance and possession states, with a focus on their relationship to dissociative disorders and altered states of consciousness (ASCs). Trance and possession events have been recorded in several cultures, and they frequently manifest as transitory changes in identity, awareness, and volition. According to contemporary trauma experts, dissociation is characterized by a lack of integration across multiple domains such as awareness, self-perception, emotional control, and sensory experiences. According to psychological and neuro-scientific viewpoints, these states may include dissociative processes, particularly in people who are predisposed to dissociation. Differentiating trance and possession from dissociative identity disorder (DID) and other dissociative illnesses, this review looks at historical, cultural, and clinical viewpoints on these concepts. The role of trauma, suggestibility, and neurobiological factors in eliciting and maintaining these states is examined. Furthermore, the therapeutic and pathological consequences of trance and possession experiences are discussed, with a particular emphasis on cross-cultural diagnostic problems. The review emphasizes the need for additional empirical study to better understand the mechanisms driving these changed states and their implications for mental health.