African socialisation: the application of cross-cultural methodology

Abstract

An African socialisation model is presented considering three dimensions and different levels of acculturation (traditional, transitional and modern). The tri-dimensional model (authority, group and body-mind environment) is detailed in a complex matrix of conceptual categories on person or object-oriented interaction and explicated in two detailed case vignettes of culturally different healer-patient interactions.

Keywords: acculturation, culture, healer-patient interaction, psychopathology, psychotherapy, social interaction, transitional African

Journal of Psychology in Africa 2005, 15(1): 105–108