Interface of culture and spirituality within psychology

SA currently faces a potential third wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Driving to the grocery store I heard the song Every Breath You Take by The Police on the radio. It spoke to my soul as I realised its relevance to Covid-19. The lyrics, “Every move you make, every vow you break, every smile you fake, every claim you stake, I’ll be watching you” apply to the culture and spirit of these times.

Breathing underneath a mask. Every move is regulated by Covid19 protocols; every vow broken to children and women through gender-based violence; the fake smiles we often give and receive during online meetings and the claims about who we are as human beings have been challenged by uncertainties. People have lost jobs, relationships, dreams and loved ones ; we are all grieving some loss and this has resulted in unmet cultural and spiritual needs. It is against this backdrop that I hope this piece sparks cross-cultural mind, spirit, body and soul holistic thinking about mental health challenges.

Although mainstream psychology by Western theorists such as Freud and Jung often rejected issues pertaining to culture and spirituality, these issues remain fundamental to human existence. Contemporary psychological theorists hold that human beings are cultural and spiritual beings. African thought defines culture as constant and dynamic, consisting of ways of being, music, education, art, food and the environment. The family, individual and community are spiritually connected through a higher supreme being, nature and ancestors as one unit living codependently. Spirituality is the unseen, often sacred aspects of our being which forms the mind, the body and the soul. According to Eastern and African thought, the spirit is the main influencer of culture. The incorporation of culture and spirituality within main stream psychology has promoted openness to diversity and multiple world views.

The African family is a part and parcel of a bigger whole. Healthcare within the family, particularly elders and children, is attributed to all aspects of human life and existence which include extended families, the community and nature. The individual is intertwined with communal values and relationships. The values often refer to ubuntu, becoming a person with a sense of compassion and a readiness to respond to those in need if ill or there is disharmony. Many SA families confront socioeconomic challenges and a lack of basic needs such as food, shelter, and sanitation may disrupt relations.

Technology is now a significant part of global human culture. Covid-19 has radically improved our understanding and use of it.

We have Zoom, video, WhatsApp chats at our fingertips, but is this always an advantage? As a result of my geographical and cultural context, I believe that face-to-face interactions allow for the development and sustenance of human relationships, which have the potential to enhance culture and improve spiritual wellbeing.

Research shows that including cultural and spiritual dimensions within psychology improves wellbeing. A challenge in the decade ahead is to create opportunities for collaborative culture-sensitive psychology to meet society’s current and future needs. While under Covid-19 protocols, try and practise kindness towards self and others; be patient with yourself and those around you as there are always new things to learn. Being willing to offer help when needed also promotes your mental health and that of those around you.

■