The African perspective on anti-social behaviour: a case study of traditional healers' perception on ancestral calling.

Abstract

The study seeks to explore the African perception towards anti-social behaviour through traditional healers as case study. The study focuses on African’s knowledge and understanding of anti-social behavior development. The causes and healing of anti-social behavior has been explained along the African’s context. Traditional healers were selected in the four regions (Hhohho, Manzini, Lubombo and Shiselweni) of Swaziland using the purposive sampling. They were five traditional healers from each region. Focus group discussions were held with traditional healers in each region and later an in-depth interview was conducted with each traditional healer. Mixed research method has been applied in the study. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis approach has been used in the research in exploring how traditional healers deal with anti-social behavior. The study concluded that traditional healers are consulted for mental disorders by members of the community. They are able to recognize some mental disorders, particularly those relating to psychosis. Their traditional healing approach is very effective; however there is a great need for improving their working environments and system of referral when then cannot deal with some other complications which comes with anti-social behavior. Traditional and Western healing interventions of anti-social behavior should complement each other.