Becoming grounded to grow: A model of traditional spiritual healing/care in the everyday context

The present study aimed to develop a model of traditional spiritual healing/care in the everyday Tanzanian context. To develop this model, I conducted 15 in-depth individual interviews with adults living in and around Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; participants also shared proverbs and photos representing the topic. Using a mixed constructivist grounded theory and post-colonial approach to data collection and analysis I developed the Becoming Grounded to Grow process model. Growth in this model is a continuous bidirectional cycle which includes (1) gaining wisdom (2) gesturing towards growth and (3) participating in true growth. Giving context and cultural relevance to the three themes are the guiding principles, which include time/timing, self/community, and mind/body/soul. These are seen throughout each phase of this cycle. In several key ways this model of spiritual healing or true growth both converges with and diverges from existent literature on professional and everyday healing amongst Africans. In its use of a non-professional sample, focus on the consistencies and transformations in traditional healing in the everyday context, and intergenerational approach, this study offers something new to psychology, and culturally relevant/informed care more specifically. The study also offers recommendations for counseling psychologists and implications for mental healthcare workers, researchers, and educators more generally.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Psychology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2023

Author dc:creator

• Ogunfemi, Nimot

Contributors dc:contributor

• Neville, Helen
• Barro, Maimouna
• Gobin, Robyn
• Hunter, Carla

• Black Psychology
• African Psychology
• Soul Care
• Indigenous Healing

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2023 Nimot Ogunfemi

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120110

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F120110