Abstract
Witchcraft, Religion and Suicides in the Light of the Witch Hammer and Contemporary Cases
Lonnqvist J~~Achte K A
The suicidal behavior of those accused of witchcraft 500 years ago has its counterparts today. A comparison is made between case histories described in The Witch Hammer (1487), & contemporary clinical cases. The church’s attitude toward suicide is examined, with particular attention given to the defense mechanism of projection. Similarities in attitudes toward accused witches & psychiatric patients are noted & discussed.