Frameworks of attitudes towards mental health disorders in contemporary Ghana – Dr. Caesar Atuire

Dr. Caesar Atuire (PI), University of Ghana, with Dr. Lily Kpobi and Ms. Kiran Manku.

This project aims to investigate if, and how, attitudes towards Psychosis in Ghana relate to the three main theoretical frameworks of reference shared by many Ghanaians: Western secularized values systems; traditional beliefs; and religious (Christian/Muslim) conceptions of human life. The flourishing of spiritual healing camps, and other alternative forms of mental health care, points to a conception of mental disorder as something beyond the physiological, or genomic. The study takes a mixed-methods approach, including an attitude survey of 350 participants from the general population, and semi-structured interviews with 60 persons who are either participants of, or belong to, the inner circles of persons with psychosis receiving a form of treatment. In addition to identifying the theoretical framework informing attitudes towards psychosis, the study also looks at the normative praxis that ensues from these frameworks. This project will conclude with a dissemination workshop and scientific publication.