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Beliefs in Ancestors and Witchcraft as Potential Determinants of Complicated Spiritual Grief

Abstract The study explored bereavement and grief, including how ancestral beliefs and witchcraft could potentially complicate the grieving process. A phenomenological design was adopted. Study participants (n = 14; males = 50%, mean age = 59 years, SD: 13.7 years) were sampled through a non-probability snowball strategy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were analyzed phenomenologically, resulting in three themes: (a) Circumstances surrounding death, (b) Notions of God, ancestors, and witchcraft, and (c) Grief reactions and complications. The findings are discussed with reference to the meaning-making process and complicated spiritual grief, whilst recommendations for clinical practice and future research are made.