Traditional Beliefs about Trauma and Trauma Intervention Methods among Sabaot People of Mount Elgon Region, Kenya

Abstract

Atrocities committed during violent armed conflicts leave both victims and perpetrators of violence with traumatic experiences which affects their daily lives and routine. To resume normal lives, the victims of trauma need to be supported in their healing process through various trauma intervention methods. The lives of the Sabaot people of Mt. Elgon region in Western Kenya were shattered by violent conflicts that took place from between 2006-2008 and are in need of trauma healing. However, for effective trauma healing especially among indigenous people whose life style is guided by their cultures and traditions, such intervention has to conform to their traditional beliefs and customs. This is important because, the way people embody and give meaning to their conditions of health and sickness, such as trauma, is significantly influenced by their particular cultural context. The cultural context definitely affects how people identify and deal with matters of sickness including trauma. This paper analyses how Sabaot people's traditional beliefs about trauma, its cause and symptoms influences their choice of trauma intervention and healing methods. Methodologically, the study utilized secondary sources with major emphasis on primary data collection.