title: Glossolalia.
abstract: In this article the authors present through theory and case reports on the phenomenon of glossolalia, the unusual vocal utterances that sound language-like. Sense, meaning and function of glossolalia are closely connected with social and cultural context, and therefore glossolalia is experienced as a normal and expected behavior in religious prayer groups, while in mental disorders it is considered a psychopathological symptom. Historic theological debates explain the pure spiritual etiology of glossolalia, while the current studies present the phenomenon of glossolalia as a result of learned behavior and training. Glossolalia occurs as an individual or a group phenomenon after which the speaker and the persons around him feel good, what is explained psychodynamically as a regression upon early developmental levels. In this temporary regression there is an explanation of positive, almost psychotherapeutic effect of glossolalia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital, Virovitica, Virovitica, Croatia. elvira.koic1@vt.htnet.hr
authors.forename: Elvira
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Koić
authors.forename: Pavo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Filaković
authors.forename: Sanea
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nad
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Celić
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D012067:Religion; D012924:Social Conditions