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

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.