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Exploring the Influence of Islam on the Perceptions of Mental Illness of Volunteers in a Johannesburg Community-based Organisation

Author

Listed:
  • Sumaya Laher

    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. E-mail: sumaya.laher@wits.ac.za)

  • Sumayyah Khan

    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa)

Abstract

Current understandings of mental illness are rooted in Western paradigms and fail to incorporate indigenous understandings. Swartz (2002) argues that the way certain conditions are labelled in different settings and how they are expressed in different cultures, need to be taken into consideration. Thus, this study explores the perceptions of mental illness in a sample of eight volunteer counsellors at a community-based organisation in Johannesburg, South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the counsellors to determine their understanding of mental illness and to establish the role played by Islam on the perceptions of mental illness. Responses were analysed using thematic content analysis. These results are discussed within the broader framework of Islam and mental illness.

Suggested Citation

  • Sumaya Laher & Sumayyah Khan, 2011. "Exploring the Influence of Islam on the Perceptions of Mental Illness of Volunteers in a Johannesburg Community-based Organisation," Psychology and Developing Societies, , vol. 23(1), pages 63-84, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:psydev:v:23:y:2011:i:1:p:63-84
    DOI: 10.1177/097133361002300103
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