Health Practice at the Technologic/Folk Interface: Witchcraft as a Culture-Specific Diagnosis

Abstract

“Witchcraft illness” is a widespread belief among many people, even after acculturation to technological concepts of illness etiology. Two cases are presented to show that such beliefs can complicate physical or psychological dysfunctions, or themselves can be the primary origin of physical or psychological dysfunctions. In both instances, witchcraft beliefs take on a dynamic of their own and must be resolved both in terms of the patient's culture as well as the clinician's treatment plan. Considering such phenomena from the vantage point of family systems provides useful insights into etiology as well as amelioration. The latter requires engaging all parties in the health care system—clinician, patient, family, and indigenous health caretakers.