AfricaBib 
bibliographic database
| Previous page | New search |
The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here
 Periodical article |
 Leiden University catalogue |
 WorldCat |
| Title: | Notions of mental illness by Vhavenda traditional healers in Limpopo Province, South Africa |
| Authors: | Mufamadi, Jane Sodi, Tholene |
| Year: | 2010 |
| Periodical: | Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (ISSN 1683-0296) |
| Volume: | 9 |
| Issue: | 2 |
| Pages: | 253-264 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic term: | South Africa |
| Subjects: | traditional medicine healers mental disorders Venda |
| Abstract: | This article is based on a study which investigated the notions of mental illness held by Vhavenda traditional healers in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Specifically, it examined these traditional healers' representations of the causes of mental illness, and also the diagnostic and treatment methods they use to help their patients. A phenomenological research method was followed in order to capture and describe mental illness from the perspective of the traditional healers themselves. Eight traditional healers, who were selected through the snowball sampling method, were asked to participate in the study. The study found that factors like heredity, witchcraft, sorcery and disregard of cultural norms were found to be some of the causes of mental illness. In some cases, mental illness was interpreted as an invitation to some people by their ancestors to become traditional healers. The study also found that traditional healers follow a logical and culturally congruent system to diagnose and treat patients who present to them with what is considered to be mental illness. In this regard different diagnostic procedures and treatment methods are used. The limitations associated with the study are also discussed. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract] |
