The power of rituals in dealing with traumatic stress symptoms: cleansing rituals for former child soldiers in Northern Uganda

Schultz, J. H., & Weisæth, L. (2015). The power of rituals in dealing with traumatic stress symptoms: cleansing rituals for former child soldiers in Northern Uganda. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 18(10), 822-837. doi:10.1080/13674676.2015.1094780

The components of the ritual are analysed and compared with research-based therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder. Participant observation was used during the ritual, followed by qualitative in-depth interviews and follow-up interviews over three years.

The key informant is a former child soldier participating in the ritual. He was abducted and forced to commit several killings during a three-year period. The collective mobilisation of social support, the collective forgiveness and the strength of the psycho-education appear central for the effect of the ritual.

In addition, the ritual draws on common therapeutic factors. The findings indicate that such a ritual involves elements that safely and effectively deal with symptoms in accordance with modern research on trauma therapy, perhaps more powerfully than Western-style therapy.

Implications for collaboration with local healers in emergency settings are indicated.