Type and Prevalence of Psychosocial Problems Presented to Witches and Proposed Solutions: A Case Study in Dessie Town
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the types and prevalence of psychological
problems presented to witches and proposcd sol utions. To achieve these objectives, data
were collected from some s e1ectcd individuals who have gone and consulted witches. Indepth
interview were held wi th all the respondents using interview guide. In addition data
was served from Dessie Ilighcr Court and from Dessie Police Station. The participants
were purposefully select cd and the data werc analyzed qualitatively.
An effort was made to probc in to witchcraft belief in the culture within which it
operates, types, prevalence or psychological problems presented to witches, solution
methods. The result of the present study shows that witch is often considered as, a wise
person, who is an expcrt in making herbal remedies, and who possessed the ultimate
remedies of all human problems. Witchcran is mainly considered as a positive cultural
tradition and an easy explanation of the ill s of life. The result revealed also that the local
people consult witches for every type of' health problems looking for solution; wishing to
harm or to make others suiTer li'om misfortunes or diseases looking for charms or spells;
to find shortcuts to the social , personal, and emotional perfection they are seeking.
Witches are also found to be seen in time of conflict and disagreement between closest.
The result of this investi ga tion also revealed that the use of herbs, magic charms and spell
casting, forecasting or forete lling, caring out dua, and getting peoples in to an oath were
found to be witches methods used to so lve problems presented to them. The result also
revealed that witchcraft belicl' was found to be the sources of complex and wide spread
problems with significant psychological and social effects on the society.
Finally, on the bases of the research findings, the following recommendations have been
made: an enlightened reli gion. education, medicine and better social and racial conditions
will helps to abolish the belielĀ·. The local peoples should make more use of social and
legal mechanisms for settling their di sputes. They should devote themselves to faith in
God, education and hard work to realize one's full potential, and in addition the
government has to enforce strong legal sanctions on witchcraft practitioners.
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Keywords
Psychosocial Problems Presented to Witches