Chapter 8. Psychiatry and African Religion
- Peter J. Verhagen Psychiatrist Theologian2,
- Herman M. Van Praag Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry3,
- Juan J. López-Ibor Jr Professor of Psychiatry4,
- John L Cox Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry5,
- Driss Moussaoui Professor of Psychiatry6
Published Online: 13 NOV 2009
DOI: 10.1002/9780470682203.ch8
Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Book Title
Religion and Psychiatry: Beyond Boundaries
Additional Information
How to Cite
Njenga, F. G., Nguithi, A. and Gatere, S. G. (2009) Psychiatry and African Religion, in Religion and Psychiatry: Beyond Boundaries (eds P. J. Verhagen, H. M. Van Praag, J. J. López-Ibor, J. L. Cox and D. Moussaoui), John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Chichester, UK. doi: 10.1002/9780470682203.ch8
Editor Information
- 2
Meerkanten GGZ, Harderwijk, The Netherlands
- 3
University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- 4
Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- 5
University of Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
- 6
Ibn Rushd University, Casablanca, Morocco
Publication History
- Published Online: 13 NOV 2009
- Published Print: 8 JAN 2010
Book Series:
Book Series Editors:
- Helen Herrman
Series Editor Information
WPA Secretary for Publications, University of Melbourne, Australia
ISBN Information
Print ISBN: 9780470694718
Online ISBN: 9780470682203
- Summary
- Chapter
- References
Keywords:
- psychiatry and African religion;
- three identifiable phases - description of psychiatry and religion in Africa;
- Yoruba in West Africa - conceiving supernatural powers as of two types, malevolent and benevolent;
- colonial era, 1850–1960 - clear conflict of culture and religion;
- African civil war and mental disorders - recognizing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD);
- African states emerging from colonial rule - political liberation followed by theological liberation;
- Christian doctrinal instruction - faithful to marry one wife and to live with her ‘till death do you part’;
- education on sexual practices in Africa - conducted formally in tribal structures and organization;
- African God - as having the power to give and take away, as all things belong to him;
- suicide, depressive illness - Africa, denoting it as an unrecognized illness
Summary
This chapter contains sections titled:
Introduction
Pre-Colonial Era – Pre 1850
The Colonial Era – 1850–1960
Post Colonial Era
Common Themes
Contemporary African Politics, Religion and Culture
Self Esteem
References