An ethnographic study of schizophrenia in Zimbabwe: The role of culture, faith, and religion

This ethnographic study explored the experiences of eighteen Shona speakers living with schizophrenia in Zimbabwe. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, observations and field notes. Almost three in four participants reported having a strong religious affiliation and believed mental i...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of spirituality in mental health
Authors: Chidarikire, Sherphard (Author) ; Cleary, Michelle (Author) ; Cross, Merylin (Author) ; Skinner, Isabelle (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Fernleihe:Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste
Published: Routledge [2020]
In: Journal of spirituality in mental health
RelBib Classification:AE Psychology of religion
AG Religious life; material religion
KBN Sub-Saharan Africa
ZA Social sciences
ZD Psychology
Further subjects:B Ethnography
B Spirituality
B Religion
B Schizophrenia
B Zimbabwe
B Faith
B Mental Health
B traditional healing
B Culture
B Quality of life
Online Access: Volltext (Verlag)
Description
Summary:This ethnographic study explored the experiences of eighteen Shona speakers living with schizophrenia in Zimbabwe. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, observations and field notes. Almost three in four participants reported having a strong religious affiliation and believed mental illnesses are caused by spirits (zvirwere zvemweya) or witchcraft (zvirwere zvevaroyi). Cultural and religious beliefs influenced the perceived causes of schizophrenia, symptom explanations, and help-seeking behavior. Schizophrenia compounded social disadvantage, often leading to family disruption, isolation, homelessness, and wandering. Faith and religious belonging provided participants access to support and fostered hope, resilience, a sense of self-worth and greater quality of life.
ISSN:1934-9645
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal of spirituality in mental health
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/19349637.2018.1531366