Explanatory models of mental disorders among traditional and faith healers in Ghana

ABSTRACT

Traditional and alternative medicine is an integral part of the mental healthcare system of many African countries. The treatments and practices of these traditional and alternative healers will be influenced by their ideas about the causes and effects of mental disorders. With the concept of explanatory models of illness as a framework, we examined the notions of different categories of traditional and faith healers about mental disorders. Using case vignettes, we conducted interviews with 36 participants to explore their beliefs about the causes, course and effects of a serious mental disorder, a common mental disorder and a disorder driven by social circumstances. From our data, there was consensus about what constituted a serious mental disorder. However, the other disorders were not seen as mental disorders. Although there was an acknowledgement of biological and social causes of serious mental illness, the dominant view was that of supernatural causes. The most significant effect of mental illness reported was a loss of social connectedness and productivity. These models are discussed with reference to their implications for collaboration, mental health literacy efforts, as well as biomedical practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Ghana
• traditional medicine
• faith healing
• explanatory models
• mental health

Acknowledgements

The research reported in this paper forms part of the doctoral dissertation of the first author, funded by the Graduate School of the Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch University. Further funding was provided for the second author (LS) by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa under grant number 85423. The content is the sole responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the University or the NRF.

Appreciation goes to the participants for their time and insights. Our thanks also go to Jacqueline Gamble for the editing work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Lily Kpobi is a clinical psychologist and currently studying for her PhD at the Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Her research focuses on understanding indigenous notions of mental health, as well as mental health care issues within African cultural contexts.

Leslie Swartz, PhD, is distinguished professor of psychology at Stellenbosch University. He researches issues of culture and mental health, as well as mental health and disability issues with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa.

ORCID

Lily Kpobi http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7074-5804

Leslie Swartz http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1741-5897

Notes

1 The different groups of healers classify themselves based on orientation, creed, methods and/or beliefs. We thus used these pre-established categories of healers as a guide.

Additional information

Funding

The research reported in this paper forms part of the doctoral dissertation of the first author, funded by the Graduate School of the Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch University. Further funding was provided for the second author (LS) by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa [grant number 85423]. The content is the sole responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of Stellenbosch University or the NRF. Neither the University nor the NRF played any official role in the design of the study, nor the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, nor in writing the manuscript.