Susto: The anthropological study of diseases of adaptation

Susto, a Latin-American syndrome related to acute fright, is viewed as a disease of adaptation as defined by Selye, and physiological, psychological, cultural, and social aspects of this disease are examined.

Abstract

Susto, a Latin-American syndrome related to acute fright, is viewed as a disease of adaptation as defined by Selye. The physiological, psychological, cultural, and social aspects of this disease are examined, as are the interactions of these various dimensions. Healing rituals for the effective cure of susto are examined, and a basis for their efficacy is established by reference to Selye's theory. Other culturally-specific, fright-related diseases of adaptation in Western and non-Western cultures are examined and compared to susto. Diseases of adaptation cannot be fully understood without reference to cultural, social, anti psychological factors.