Abstract
Mental illness continues to prevail within South Africa, and multiple facets are associated with health-seeking behaviour to address mental illness. Within the South African context religious, cultural, and traditional beliefs are significant as they are closely linked as it influences help-seeking behaviour for mental health concerns. Islam and Christianity are widely practiced religions in South Africa and are important sources of support to individuals with mental illness. The nature of this study was to explore mental health practitioners’ views of the influence of religion on mental health interventions. The study utilised a qualitative approach and exploratory research design. A total of 10 participants from various mental health professions were interviewed, with a semi-structured interview schedule. Thematic analysis was used to analyse findings.
The findings yielded 9 themes and the major findings emanating from the study include that religious and cultural beliefs of individuals influence their understanding of mental health concerns and their help-seeking behaviour. Religion was found to be positively associated with mental health and wellbeing and cultural beliefs were found to influence religious beliefs, however negative religious coping was also identified. The cultural influence on religious beliefs was further highlighted. The prevalence of stigma, which occurs and intersects at various levels that deter individuals from accessing mental health interventions was emphasised. Cultural sensitivity and cultural humility were found to be critical in providing mental health interventions to the South African population.
The study concluded that religious and cultural beliefs are fundamental to South African individuals’ way of being and understanding of their mental health concerns. An individual cannot be holistically understood without context of religious and cultural beliefs as these have a substantial role in influencing their health-seeking behaviour. Hence, a culturally and religiously sensitive approach, like the biopsychosocial-spiritual model is needed to provide adequate mental healthcare to individuals in South Africa. Cross-cultural training of mental health practitioners is recommended as it is fundamental in the implementation of cultural sensitivity and humility. Furthermore, a collaboration between mental health practitioners and religious leaders is recommended as it would encourage access to mental healthcare and may destigmatise mental illness. The barriers to mental healthcare need to be dismantled through effective implementation of mental health frameworks and strategies and the increase in the mental healthcare budget to increase limited resources.
Keywords: Religion, Culture, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Islam, Christianity, Social Work