Belief, Space, and Productivity: The Cultural Economy of Mystical Illnessin Denpasar, Bali

Summary

Belief in mystical illness, including witchcraft and spirit possession, is positively associated with both work productivity and economic life among economically active individuals in Denpasar, Bali. Work productivity partially mediates this relationship, and religious education moderates the link between belief and economic outcomes, though the moderating effect is modest yet statistically significant. These beliefs do not solely constrain economic performance but form part of a cultural system that can coexist with productive economic activity. The study used data from 200 individuals and PLS-SEM analysis, highlighting the need to incorporate cultural and spiritual dimensions into economic behavior analyses.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Mystical illness beliefs—encompassing notions of witchcraft, spirit possession, and supernatural affliction—remain embedded in many societies and continue to shape health-related behaviour, work practices, and economic life. In Denpasar, Bali, where traditional spiritual frameworks intersect with an increasingly modern urban economy, such beliefs retain social relevance. However, empirical evidence on how these culturally embedded beliefs relate to economic outcomes remains limited. This study addresses this gap by examining the relationships between belief in mystical illness, work productivity, economic life, and religious education. Data were collected from 200 economically active individuals in Denpasar using a structured questionnaire and purposive sampling. The analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess both direct and indirect relationships, including mediation and moderation effects. The findings indicate that belief in mystical illness is positively associated with both work productivity and economic life, with work productivity partially mediating this relationship. In addition, religious education has been found to moderate the link between belief and economic outcomes, shaping how such beliefs translate into economic behaviour. While the moderating effect is relatively modest, it remains statistically significant. These results suggest that mystical illness beliefs do not operate solely as constraints on economic performance. Rather, within this context, they form part of a broader cultural system that can coexist with productive economic activity. The study highlights the importance of incorporating cultural and spiritual dimensions into analyses of economic behaviour and suggests that policy approaches should be sensitive to locally embedded belief systems. Although the findings are limited to an urban setting and rely on self-reported data, they offer insights into the complex interaction between belief, productivity, and economic life in culturally diverse contexts.