A phenomenological study of healing in a North Sotho community

Sodi, Tholene

A phenomenological study of healing in a North Sotho community

Doctoral Thesis

1998

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Psychology

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

The two specific aims of the present study were to: (a). conduct an inquiry into the process of indigenous healing as conceptualized by a group of North Sotho indigenous healers, and (b). to interpret these subjective representations of a healing process so as to develop ideas regarding the links between indigenous healing and modem medicine in forging a new mental health policy for South Africa. Four North Sotho indigenous healers, located in Naphuno district (a predominantly rural settlement comprised of an indigenous North Sotho speaking African population) in the Northern Province, were selected on the basis of the known sponsor approach for the purpose of this study. The interviews with the indigenous healers were audio-taped, and later transcribed and translated. A phenomenological method of analysis as used in the present study involved a number of rigorous stages whereby the original data was reduced and interrogated to identify some emerging meaning units. These naturally occurring meaning units were further interrogated to identify emerging themes which were ultimately synthesised into consistent psychological thematic structures.

Description

Bibliography: leaves 222-251.

Keywords

Psychology

Reference:

Collections

PhD / Doctoral

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