The role and function of traditional healing in families living in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: an afrocentric understanding.

Traditional healing, alternately called traditional medicine or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), has been in existence for a long time and sometimes used alongside popular western healing methods (Kirmayer, 2004). The focus of the current study was on the role and function of traditional healing infamilies living in the Eastern Cape Province. Through an Afrocentric lens, the study sought to explore the manner in which traditional healers helped family members deal with difficult life situations. The researcher used an explorative, descriptive, qualitative design, through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and observations. Selection of participants was done through purposive sampling. The participants were heterogeneous in terms of age, gender, level of education, occupation and religion. Data analysis was employed through Interpretive Phenomenological Approach using Afrocentric theory as a metatheory and Ubuntu and sociocultural theory as complementary theories to understand the participants’ perceptions and experiences of the role played by traditional healing in building family resilience. Ethical principles were adhered to, for example voluntary participation and informed consent. Research findings revealed a variety of traditional ritual performances which embraced principles of Afrocentricity and Ubuntu – interconnectedness, interdependence and collectivism, spirituality, good communication and social support – as key elements in traditional family relationships. The traditional healers played a significant role in mentoring family members and mending broken families and alleviating suffering. They do this in line with the convictions of the ethical principles concerning respect cultural beliefs and values of consumers of psychological servises. Since the study was conducted in a rural area with isiXhosa speaking family members, there is a need for inclusion of other racial groups and family members living in urban areas.Thesis (PhD) (Psychology) -- University of Fort Hare, 202