Mellema, Eelkje
(2023)
De kunst van het betoveren: onderzoek naar de psychologische werking van rituelen.
Master thesis, Master Geestelijke Verzorging.
Abstract
The ubiquity of rituals makes them a fruitful subject for research. Research on the functioning of rituals is conducted from various disciplines. In this study, psychological explanations for the functioning of rituals are compiled through a systematic literature review. The consulted literature is from post-2010 and was searched in the Web of Science and PsychInfo databases. A schematic representation of the conclusions of the publications has been created to visualize the interconnections between the results.
Psychological explanations for the functioning of rituals can be found in the psychological processes that occur during ritualistic actions. This involves a combination of shared emotion and synchrony, possibly coupled with shared focus, strengthened by the collective performance of rituals. It leads to social bonding, in the form of identity fusion or group identity, both resulting in a self-transcendent effect. The consequence of social bonding is that it leads to more prosocial behavior, meaning people become more altruistic, generous, and cooperative. The stronger the affect during the ritual, the greater the observed effects.
The explanations found depict the interconnectedness of processes. Rituals enhance empathy, facilitate commitment to common goals, and align collective thinking and values. However, the combined effect of these processes creates a functional ritual, indicating that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, revealing an enchantment in rituals.
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