Pemanfaatan Terapi Tradisional Dan Alternatif Oleh Penderita Gangguan Jiwa

Abstract

Until recently, little information is known from studies regarding the use of traditional and alternative therapies by people with mental illness in Indonesia. This study explored the use of traditional or alternative therapies among mentally ill sufferers in Indonesia. A Charmaz's Constructivist Grounded Theory method was used to explore the use of traditional or alternative therapies among patients as a result of suffering from mental illness. Data collection method involved direct interaction (semi-structured interviews), mute evidence (document review), field notes and memos. Paillé (1994) data analysis was employed to organize and manage data. Study has led to five categories: 1) possessed by Satan or spirit; 2) sinful illness; 3) treatment at traditional before going to the hospital; 4) violence; 5) fear of treatment. Study results indicated that complementary - alternative treatments and ‘smart people' (shamans, Islamic leaders, chaplains, paranormal and traditional Chinese medicine) have a central role in supporting and offering solutions when someone has a mental illness in Indonesia. Visiting therapists or ‘smart people', is usually the first choice of patients, families and other community members when dealing with the mentally ill treatments. Further research is needed to see the effectiveness of traditional or alternative therapy which is still poorly researched and documented in Indonesia. It is also needed to understand the attitude or perspective of the family, the community and government staff as participants regarding traditional or alternative therapies. This study used a qualitative approach, thus quantitative research is needed to examine the factors that affect the utilization of traditional or alternative therapies by mentally ill people in Indonesia.