title: Initiation rites as a perceived stressor for Isixhosa males with schizophrenia.
abstract: Although traditional initiation forms a pivotal part of Xhosa culture, it may be a stressful life event for the individual. In this study, 75 Xhosa males diagnosed with schizophrenia were interviewed to examine their perceptions of the role of initiation in the onset and course of their illness. In all, eight patients (10.7%) perceived the initiation rites as a stressful event that had triggered the onset of a psychotic episode, and six (8%) felt it precipitated a relapse. Our findings suggest that initiation rituals may be perceived as a stressful life event influencing the onset and course of schizophrenia. This underlines the importance of understanding the cultural background of patients.
authors.affiliation: University of Stellenbosch. roselleleroux@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Roselle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: le Roux
authors.forename: Daniel Jan Hendrik
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Niehaus
authors.forename: Liezl
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Koen
authors.forename: Cathlene
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Seller
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lochner
authors.forename: Robin Alexander
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Emsley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000353:Africa, Southern / Q000453:epidemiology; D002562:Ceremonial Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000208:ethnology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*