Question 1

Discuss the empirical studies which suggest that traditional health practitioners are preferred in non-urban and peri-urban communities in Southern Africa.

Accepted Answer

Empirical studies indicate that traditional health practitioners are commonly preferred in non-urban and peri-urban communities due to extensive distances patients have to cover to get to
public health facilities, which demand extended waiting periods due to shortages of Western-trained professionals. In addition, people from non-urban areas appear to prefer traditional health practitioners because of:
fear of surgical procedures
the desire to maintain privacy
and the belief in an African explanation of illnesses.
Since traditional health practitioners are located within the community, they are regarded as cultural custodians within African society and, therefore, influence the interpretation of illness, as well as the mode of behaviour through these cultural interpretations.

Question 2

Which traditional practitioner is likely to use plants and roots as medicines?&#10;A) Sangoma&#10;B) Inyanga&#10;C) Umthandazi&#10;D) Witch

Accepted Answer

An Inyanga is a traditional healer in Southern Africa who uses herbal medicines, including plants and roots, to treat ailments.

Question 3

The principles of _____________ and ____________ are important aspects of cultural relativism.&#10;A) tolerance; respect&#10;B) invariability; scientific merit&#10;C) difference; absolutism&#10;D) subjectivity; objectivity

Accepted Answer

Tolerance and respect are important aspects of cultural relativism, as they entail accepting and valuing different cultural practices and beliefs without necessarily agreeing with them or imposing one's own cultural values onto others. In contrast, invariability and absolutism imply that one's own cultural viewpoint is the only valid one, which is contrary to the spirit of cultural relativism. Subjectivity and objectivity are not necessarily relevant to cultural relativism, as different cultural perspectives may have different notions of what constitutes objective truth.

Question 4

From a ____________________ perspective, there is no particular culture that is inferior or superior to another culture.

Accepted Answer

The answer of From a ____________________ perspective, there is no...

Question 5

The traditional African model of mental illness is rooted in _____________.&#10;A) Euro-Western science&#10;B) herbalism&#10;C) indigenous belief systems&#10;D) culture-bound syndromes

Accepted Answer

The traditional African model of mental illness is rooted in indigenous belief systems, which often involve spiritual or supernatural causes and treatments. This model is distinct from the Euro-Western model of mental illness, which emphasizes biological and psychological factors, and from culture-bound syndromes, which are specific to certain cultural contexts. While herbalism may be a part of traditional African medicine, it is not necessarily the primary model for mental illness.

Question 6

Certain cultural values and beliefs tend to influence how psychological distress is understood among the traditionally-inclined African population.

Accepted Answer

Cultural values and beliefs have a significant impact on how psychological distress is perceived and understood among African populations. Traditional beliefs, such as the idea of balance and harmony between the individual and their community, may influence views on mental health and seeking professional help. These cultural factors must be taken into account when designing mental health interventions and providing care to these populations.

Question 7

Briefly discuss the philosophy of constructive alternativism.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly discuss the philosophy of constructive alternativism....

Question 8

Which traditional practitioner is likely to engage in throwing of bones?&#10;A) Sangoma&#10;B) Inyanga&#10;C) Umthandazi&#10;D) Witch

Accepted Answer

Throwing of bones is a traditional divination practice commonly associated with Sangomas in various cultures in Southern Africa.

Question 9

Indirect witchcraft involves inflicting harm by utterance of the victim's name and invocation of a spell.

Accepted Answer

Indirect witchcraft involves using the victim's name and a spell to inflict harm, without directly casting a spell on them or through physical means.

Question 10

Define the core features of a traditional health practitioner as outlined in the Traditional Health Practitioners Act 22 of 2007, and defined by the World Health Organization.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the core features of a traditional...

Question 11

The ____________________ perspective regards mental illness as universal, although minor differences in symptom manifestation may present across cultures.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The ____________________ perspective regards mental illness as...

Question 12

Describe the concept of explanatory model.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the concept of explanatory model....

Question 13

Which ONE of the following is NOT likely to be a treatment prescribed by a sangoma?&#10;A) Bhema (inhaling muthi powder)&#10;B) Geza (bathing in muthi)&#10;C) Wokuphalaza (ingesting muthi to induce vomiting)&#10;D) Myekeni (boiled and used in a bathing)

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which ONE of the following is NOT...

Question 14

____________________ refers to the use of supernatural powers for malicious purposes.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ____________________ refers to the use of supernatural...

Question 15

Define the characteristics that underpin the term culture.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the characteristics that underpin the term...

Question 16

Ukuthwasa is a common culture-bound syndrome in sub-Saharan Africa.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Ukuthwasa is a common culture-bound syndrome in...

Deck 19: Treatment of Mental Illnesses in South Africa: Culture-Related