Associations between seeking help from indigenous healers and symptoms of depression versus psychosis in the African diaspora of the United States

Abstract

Objectives The assumption that indigenous healing systems are the solution to global disparities in mental health outcomes is predicated on the notion that they contribute to positive mental health functioning among persons of colour. Methods The current study applied structural equation modelling (SEM) to the association between seeking help from indigenous healers and psychotic versus depressive symptoms among African American and African Caribbean respondents to the National Survey of American Life. Results SEM analyses revealed a positive correlation between latent constructs for indigenous help‐seeking and psychotic symptoms, but a negative association with depressive symptoms. Conclusion The current findings are consistent with the view that seeking help from indigenous healers can have a positive role in the mental health functioning of persons with less severe mental health problems in the African diaspora of the United States. It is concluded that openness to discuss indigenous healing practices in the context of Western counselling and psychotherapy facilitates cultural competence.