Indigenous Healing in South Africa: A Neglected Potential
South African Journal of Psychology June 1, 1979 DOI: 10.1177/008124637900900308 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 54 |
| Key points | Argues that indigenous healing should be recognized and integrated with Western approaches in mental health services, particularly in South Africa, because it addresses spiritual and emotional dimensions, helps offset shortages of professionally qualified workers, and offers lessons and research opportunities for psychology. |
Abstract
The incidence of indigenous healing, recognition of the spiritual and emotional dimension in the lives of our population, lack of ‘professionally’ qualified mental health workers, inadequacy of imposing Western approaches on other cultures, proven effectiveness of nonprofessional workers in the mental health area, shortcomings in and disenchantment with Western models of healing and the holistic nature of indigenous healing compel cognisance. The similarity between certain Western approaches, such as that of Jung, and indigenous healing, development in brain research, humanistic and transpersonal psychology, arguments by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the call to integrate indigenous and Western approaches to healing, necessitates a closer look at the area. South African academics and professionals have urged for the recognition of indigenous healing in order to provide a comprehensive mental health service. It is felt that indigenous healing can teach us and offer unique opportunities in the applied and research aspects of psychology.