Beliefs in Ancestors and Witchcraft as Potential Determinants of Complicated Spiritual Grief. Issue 2 (17th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Makgahlela, Mpsanyana
• Is Part Of: Journal of loss and trauma. Volume 26:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 192
• Page End: 201
• Publication Date: 2021-02-17
• Subjects: Complicated grief -- complicated spiritual grief -- meaning making -- ancestors -- witchcraft -- zombie; Loss (Psychology) -- Periodicals; Adjustment (Psychology) -- Periodicals; Life change events -- Periodicals; Interpersonal relations -- Periodicals; 154.4
• DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2020.1759214
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1532-5024

Abstract

Abstract: The study explored bereavement and grief, including how ancestral beliefs and witchcraft could potentially complicate the grieving process. A phenomenological design was adopted. Study participants ( n = 14; males = 50%, mean age = 59 years, SD: 13.7 years) were sampled through a non-probability snowball strategy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were analyzed phenomenologically, resulting in three themes: (a) Circumstances surrounding death, (b) Notions of God, ancestors, and witchcraft, and (c) Grief reactions and complications. The findings are discussed with reference to the meaning-making process and complicated spiritual grief, whilst recommendations for clinical practice and future research are made.