Social constructivist analysis of cultural concepts of distress and lycanthropy in Nagaland India

TL;DR

This paper explores how cultural beliefs in Nagaland, India, shape perceptions of mental distress and lycanthropy, highlighting the role of traditional practices and spiritual views.

Contribution

The study provides a social constructivist analysis of culturally specific mental health concepts in Nagaland, emphasizing indigenous perspectives.

Findings

Cultural narratives and communal beliefs in Nagaland significantly influence how distress is experienced and addressed.

Lycanthropy is often viewed as a spiritual affliction rather than a delusional disorder in local communities.

Traditional healers and rituals remain central to mental health care despite the rise of modern psychiatric approaches.

Abstract

This systematic review examines how cultural constructs of distress and the phenomenon of lycanthropy are understood within the context of Nagaland, emphasizing a social constructivist framework. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Google Scholar, PubMed, and PsycINFO, ultimately shortlisting 24 methodologically sound studies relevant to cultural interpretations of mental health. Data extraction focused on themes such as spiritual beliefs, indigenous healing practices, the cultural framing of lycanthropy, and the role of modernization in shaping local perceptions of distress. Findings indicate that Nagaland’s cultural narratives and communal belief systems strongly influence how distress is experienced, conceptualized, and addressed. Lycanthropy, often perceived as a delusional disorder in Western psychiatry, is regarded by many communities in Nagaland as a spiritual affliction or culturally rooted manifestation of distress. Moreover, traditional healers and ritual practices continue to play a critical role in managing mental health concerns, even as modern psychiatric approaches gain visibility. By highlighting the intersection of cultural beliefs, supernatural interpretations, and communal coping strategies, this review emphasizes the importance of integrating indigenous perspectives with contemporary mental health care. Such culturally sensitive, hybrid interventions can bridge long standing traditions with modern practices, ultimately fostering more holistic and effective approaches to mental well-being in Nagaland.

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