Social constructivist analysis of cultural concepts of distress and lycanthropy in Nagaland India
Discover Mental Health November 16, 2025 Saranya Ts, Kiniholi Yepthomi 1 citation
Cultural narratives and communal belief systems in Nagaland strongly shape how distress is experienced, conceptualized, and addressed. Lycanthropy, often seen as a delusional disorder in Western psychiatry, is regarded by many communities as a spiritual affliction or culturally rooted manifestation of distress. Traditional healers and ritual practices continue to play a critical role in managing mental health concerns, even as modern psychiatric approaches gain visibility. The review emphasizes the importance of integrating indigenous perspectives with contemporary mental health care to foster more holistic approaches to mental well-being.