Yeye Sani: an Afro-Surinamese concept of the self in a model of mental well being

This article presents a model of mental well being based in Afro-Surinamese knowledge, experience, and cultural history. The model is the result of a two-year-long ethnographic research project in Paramaribo, Suriname. Suriname is a former Dutch colony in South America, which is known for its harmon...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Cairo, Aminata (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Taylor & Francis 2012
In: Mental health, religion & culture
Year: 2012, Volume: 15, Issue: 5, Pages: 467-483
Further subjects:B Afro-Surinamese
B mental well being
B spiritual system
B Anthropology
B African Diaspora
B Suriname
B Self
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Description
Summary:This article presents a model of mental well being based in Afro-Surinamese knowledge, experience, and cultural history. The model is the result of a two-year-long ethnographic research project in Paramaribo, Suriname. Suriname is a former Dutch colony in South America, which is known for its harmonious, multi-cultural, and multi-ethnic society. The mental well being model entitled Opo Yeye - which translates into "Raising the Spirit" - reflects an extended sense of self which is traversed and governed by forces seen and unseen. Mental well being is achieved through striving for harmony between all these forces that contribute to the self. The article provides an in-depth exploration of the concept of the self and highlights the historical origins, yet its contemporary value.
ISSN:1469-9737
Contains:Enthalten in: Mental health, religion & culture
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/13674676.2011.582482