Becoming a Xhosa traditional healer: The calling, illness, conflict and belonging.
S Afr J Psychiatr
; 27: 1528, 2021.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33824752
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Traditional healers (THs) are an important part of the healthcare system in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding their training, experiences of becoming healers and their perceived roles in society is critical.AIM:
This study aimed to explore the experience of becoming a TH, including accepting the calling, and sheds light on how the experience is conceptualised within the cultural and communitarian context of THs.SETTING:
This study was conducted amongst Xhosa THs in the Western Cape, South Africa.METHODS:
In-depth phenomenological interviews (n = 4) were conducted with Xhosa THs and analysed using Giorgi's descriptive pre-transcendental Husserlian phenomenological analysis.RESULTS:
The experience of becoming a TH can be summarised in the context of three units ofsignificance:
(1) the gift of healing as an illness; (2) the experience of conflict (including with their families, the church and self-conflict); and (3) the experience of belonging. Familial conflict, specifically, was fuelled by the financial burden of becoming a TH and a lack of understanding of the process.CONCLUSION:
To develop a workable model of collaboration in the future, it is crucial that mental healthcare providers develop a better understanding of the experiences of THs in becoming care providers. The findings highlight an appreciation of the challenging process of becoming a TH. Finally, further research and culturally appropriate psychoeducation can provide trainee THs and their family members with the skills and knowledge to support each other through a difficult process.
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Idioma:
En
Revista:
S Afr J Psychiatr
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Sudáfrica