The cultural construction of healing in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: implications for mental health practice.

Journal: Ethnicity & health

Volume: 5

Issue: 3-4

Year of Publication: 2001

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, South Africa. cgcls@protem.uct.ac.za

Abstract summary 

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has been widely hailed by mental health practitioners and others as a source of psychological healing. In this article we consider this claim and its relevance to clinical practice. Recent research in anthropology and related disciplines in South Africa and elsewhere raises questions about the cultural construction of traumatic memory and healing. We argue that these questions have bearing on how we understand the role of mental health practitioners and mental health institutions in the post-TRC period. Case material is be used to illustrate our view that it is important to distinguish between individual and collective healing.

Authors & Co-authors:  Swartz L L Drennan G G

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  2
Identifiers
Doi : 
SSN : 1355-7858
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Crime Victims
Other Terms
Study Design
Case Study,Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
South Africa
Publication Country
England