Possession: Americans and exorcism

Half of all Americans believe that possession by the devil does happen, though infrequently.

Exorcism has been a major staple in American horror culture since 1967 with the novel and subsequent film, ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ by Ira Levin. Since then, not only has there been widespread Hollywood success with more films like 'The Exorcist', but also, stories in the news that impact real people rather than actors. In the news recently three Arizona teens, after completing training in martial arts, cross continents to exercise the demons caused by certain witchy books. Therefore, one reason for the success and durability of such spiritual events may well be because artists are probing real fears and beliefs of people.

The latest YouGov research found that over half of all Americans believe in the devil. Across almost all categories belief is 50% or more, except for those of the Jewish faith, who principally do not believe in a sentient being, 'Satan'. Further, about 50% of the population believes possession by the devil or evil spirit is possible and happens.

The frequency of possession is agreed across the board as something relatively rare. As a cultural phenomenon, possession is looked at as something taboo, and to be avoided. There is a negative connotation towards those who have been posessed.

Christian beliefs outside of the dominating Protestant and Catholic faiths have the strongest belief in the possibility of possession by almost 10%, while Catholics have the strongest belief that an effective exorcism is a possible solution by at least 25%. However, trends are divergent with respect to exorcism. For the most part, the older you are, the more likely you are to believe in the devil, but alternatively, the younger you are, the more likely you are to believe in the power of exorcism. Although they might inspire film images of heads twisting around and broken mirrors, for a large percentage of the general public, exorcism, possession, and the devil are all real.