mass hysteria | Definition

Mass hysteria is a phenomenon where a group of people experience similar physical or emotional symptoms, often due to psychological factors.

Understanding Mass Hysteria

Mass hysteria, also known as collective hysteria or group hysteria, occurs when a large group of people exhibit the same or similar hysterical symptoms. This phenomenon is driven by psychological factors and can spread rapidly within a community. Mass hysteria typically manifests through physical symptoms such as fainting, headaches, or nausea, and emotional symptoms like panic or anxiety.

Historical Context

Mass hysteria is not a new phenomenon. Historical accounts reveal numerous instances where large groups of people have been affected. One of the most famous examples is the Salem witch trials in 1692, where a wave of hysteria led to accusations of witchcraft, resulting in trials and executions. Another example is the dancing plague of 1518 in Strasbourg, where people danced uncontrollably for days, sometimes until death. These events illustrate how powerful and disruptive mass hysteria can be.

Causes of Mass Hysteria

Mass hysteria is often triggered by a combination of psychological, social, and environmental factors. Key causes include:

1. Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress and anxiety can make people more susceptible to hysteria. During times of social upheaval or uncertainty, individuals may experience heightened emotional states that contribute to mass hysteria.
2. Social Influence: People are influenced by the behavior of others. When they see others exhibiting symptoms or reacting in a certain way, they may unconsciously mimic these behaviors. This is known as the social contagion effect.
3. Media and Communication: The spread of information, whether accurate or not, can fuel mass hysteria. Sensationalist media coverage or rumors can amplify fears and contribute to the spread of hysterical symptoms.
4. Cultural Beliefs: Cultural norms and beliefs can also play a role. In some cultures, certain behaviors or symptoms are more likely to be interpreted as signs of hysteria due to prevailing beliefs.

Types of Mass Hysteria

Mass hysteria can be categorized into two main types:

1. Mass Anxiety Hysteria: This type involves the spread of anxiety and fear within a group, often without any physical symptoms. It can lead to panic attacks, hyperventilation, and other anxiety-related symptoms.
2. Mass Motor Hysteria: This type involves physical symptoms such as twitching, shaking, or convulsions. These symptoms are often involuntary and can spread rapidly through close contact or observation.

Psychological Mechanisms

The psychological mechanisms behind mass hysteria involve a complex interplay of factors:

• Emotional Contagion: Emotions can be contagious. When people see others experiencing fear or anxiety, they may begin to feel the same way, leading to a spread of emotional states.
• Group Dynamics: In a group setting, individuals may experience a sense of deindividuation, where their sense of personal identity is diminished, and they are more likely to conform to group behaviors.
• Cognitive Dissonance: When people experience conflicting thoughts or beliefs, they may feel discomfort and seek to reduce this dissonance. In the context of mass hysteria, they may rationalize their symptoms by attributing them to an external cause, such as a disease or toxin.

Impact of Mass Hysteria

The impact of mass hysteria can be profound and far-reaching:

• Social Disruption: Mass hysteria can lead to significant social disruption, including school closures, workplace absenteeism, and strain on medical resources.
• Economic Consequences: The economic impact can be considerable, with costs associated with medical investigations, treatment, and lost productivity.
• Psychological Effects: Individuals affected by mass hysteria may experience lasting psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Notable Examples

Several notable examples of mass hysteria include:

• The Tanganyika Laughter Epidemic: In 1962, a laughter epidemic spread through several communities in Tanganyika (now Tanzania), affecting hundreds of people and causing schools to close.
• The West Bank Fainting Epidemic: In 1983, a series of fainting spells affected Palestinian girls in the West Bank, initially believed to be caused by poisoning but later attributed to mass hysteria.
• The Sri Lankan School Hysteria: In 2012, a wave of hysteria spread through several schools in Sri Lanka, with students experiencing symptoms like fainting and dizziness, leading to school closures and medical investigations.

Managing and Preventing Mass Hysteria

Managing mass hysteria involves a combination of medical, psychological, and social interventions:

• Reassurance and Information: Providing clear, accurate information can help alleviate fears and prevent the spread of hysteria. Reassuring affected individuals that their symptoms are not due to a serious physical cause is crucial.
• Psychological Support: Counseling and psychological support can help individuals cope with stress and anxiety, reducing the likelihood of hysteria.
• Media Management: Responsible media reporting can prevent the amplification of fears and misinformation.
• Community Engagement: Engaging community leaders and influencers can help spread accurate information and calm fears.

Conclusion

Mass hysteria is a complex and fascinating phenomenon that demonstrates the power of psychological and social influences on human behavior. Understanding its causes, mechanisms, and impacts can help societies better manage and prevent future mass hysteria occurrences.

References and Further Reading

• Lee, R. L. (2022). Affectivity, subjectivity, and vulnerability: On the new forces of mass hysteria. Subjectivity, 15(1), 18-35.

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Modification History

File Created:  04/19/2024

Last Modified:  06/08/2024

This work is licensed under an Open Educational Resource-Quality Master Source (OER-QMS) License.