Classification and concepts of causation of mental illness in a rural Malay community

Paul C.Y. Chen

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1970

Abstract

Three broad categories of mental illness are described: gila—states perceived to be a serious threat and requiring vigorous attention; chronic states perceived to be non-threatening and hence tolerable and requiring no treatment; and acute states perceived to be non-threatening but requiring attention from the bomoh (indigenous Malay medicine-man). Mental illness is thought to be the result of certain physical causes, namely, brain impairment, wind and certain blood conditions, and supernatural causes, namely, God, spirits and witchcraft. Certain conditions are thought to predispose to mental illness, namely, the loss of semangat (vital force), mental stress and incorrect behavior. Indigenous Malay psychotherapy is a logical consequence of the above concepts about causation. Exorcism, carried out in illnesses perceived to be due to spirit possession and witchcraft, is an elaborate ritual during which the bomoh mobilizes the elements of shared traditions and incorporates such elements as group participation and support of the emotionally disturbed individual. © 1970, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Brain Diseases, Complementary Therapies, Female, Human, Malaysia, Male, Mental Disorders, Rural Health, Spiritualism, Superstitions

Divisions

fac_med

Publication Title

International Journal of Social Psychiatry

Volume

16

Issue

3

Publisher

SAGE Publications

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