The South African Indian Hindu community’s understandings and experiences of psychosocial disability

Abstract

Aim: Psychosocial disability is a layered concept engaged with from multiple perspectives, particularly in a culturally diverse country such as South Africa. Literature has discussed the prominent role that cultural understandings of psychosocial disability play in the treatment- seeking behaviours and accessibility to mental health care of individuals in different cultural communities. However, limited research has been dedicated to the cultural conceptualisations of psychosocial disability in the South African Indian Hindu community in contemporary South Africa and its practical implications. The aim of this study was to explore the South African Indian Hindu community’s understanding and experiences of psychosocial disability. Methods: This qualitative study used an explorative and interpretative framework to investigate a novel area of research and create shared meaning from subjective material. Data was collected through the use of semi-structured interviews where a sample of 6 participants were interviewed regarding their experiences with their family member with a psychosocial disability within the South African Hindu Indian community. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: The findings identified three main themes: a ‘layered understanding of psychosocial disability’ which explored two main conceptualisations of psychosocial disability (cultural versus biomedical) across genders and generations. ‘Secrecy and stigma’ surrounding psychosocial disability, fueled by shame, negative cultural narratives and ignorance. And ‘family experience’ which encompassed the complex feelings associated with the emotional and physical care of family members. Conclusion: Cultural understandings of psychosocial disability within the South African Indian Hindu community were experienced as integral in preserving the community’s identity, and as having an impact on community members’ engagement with care and support. However, cultural understandings were seen as absent from the South African mental health care system which was instead characterised as a biomedical space. The study reflected on the importance of a more integrative approach, an incorporation of both biomedical and cultural understandings, towards conceptualising and treating psychosocial disability in order to allow a more accessible and relevant form of mental health care for different cultural communities in South Africa.