Sexual Guilt and Culturally Sanctioned Delusions in Liberia, West Africa
Abstract
It has been observed that the symptomatology considered to be characteristic of depression in Western cultures is rarely seen among tribal Africans. The two cases discussed here involve young women of tribal background who showed initial depressive symptomatology which shifted rapidly to extreme agitation and paranoia. Their delusional systems, focused on fantasies of snakes and genii, are interpreted as culturally sanctioned ways of dealing with feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).
