Beliefs in Ancestors and Witchcraft as Potential Determinants of Complicated Spiritual Grief

Abstract

The study explored bereavement and grief, including how ancestral beliefs and witchcraft could potentially complicate the grieving process. A phenomenological design was adopted. Study participants (n = 14; males = 50%, mean age = 59 years, SD: 13.7 years) were sampled through a non-probability snowball strategy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were analyzed phenomenologically, resulting in three themes: (a) Circumstances surrounding death, (b) Notions of God, ancestors, and witchcraft, and (c) Grief reactions and complications. The findings are discussed with reference to the meaning-making process and complicated spiritual grief, whilst recommendations for clinical practice and future research are made.

Keywords:

• Complicated grief
• complicated spiritual grief
• meaning making
• ancestors
• witchcraft
• zombie

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mpsanyana Makgahlela

Mpsanyana Makgahlela, PhD., works as a Senior Psychology lecturer at the University of Limpopo, South Africa. He is also in clinical practice, and his research interests are in cross-cultural and African psychologies.