What is catharsis? What are its effects and when does it occur? In this thoughtful study, Thomas Scheff defines catharsis clearly as a process that is signaled by certain kinds of laughing, crying, and analogous responses reflecting anger and fear. The main concept, which provides a thread throughout the entire book, is that of distancing, the balance between being a participant and an observer in the thoughts and feelings that bring on catharsis. At optimal distance, the person has double vision, of being both participant and observer. This idea is applied to psychotherapy, ritual and drama.