Abstract:
The focus of this research is in the area of the role of traditional Zulu medicine on psychosis. Such a study is important in order to have an in-depth-understanding of how people of the African ancestry conceptualise and treat a mental disorder such as psychosis. The research approach adopted in in this dissertation includes qualitative content analysis. The findings of this research provide evidence that Traditional Zulu healers and a few community members view psychosis as a curable illness that is usually caused by bewitchment. This dissertation recommends that further in-depth investigation into how Africans tend to conceptualise the concept of a “mental disorder” be undertaken in in order for this group of people to be better understood by mental health care practitioners whose approach is predominantly western. This might benefit both parties.
Description:
Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Masters in Counselling Psychology in the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2012.
