Integrating Arts Therapies in Zambia: A Reflection on Psycho-Spiritual Cultural Dispositions and their Potential for Healing
Main Article Content
Keywords
Arts-based healing practices, Indigenous knowledge systems, Indigenous spiritual practices, mental health integration, cultural psychiatry
Abstract
The arts therapies, including music, art, dance/movement, and drama therapy, offer a promising pathway to integrating Zambia’s rich cultural and psycho-spiritual traditions into its healthcare system. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems, Zambia’s artistic and spiritual heritage aligns seamlessly with the principles of arts therapies, which emphasise self-expression, emotional regulation, and communal healing. Historically, Zambian healing practices have utilised music, dance, and visual arts as tools for spiritual connection and social cohesion, highlighting their potential for addressing contemporary mental health challenges.
This paper explores the cultural and historical relevance of arts therapies in Zambia, identifying opportunities for their integration into the healthcare system. It reviews existing literature, establishes theoretical frameworks, and examines case studies that highlight the feasibility and impact of arts-based interventions. The paper also addresses barriers such as resource constraints and societal perceptions of mental health, proposing actionable policy recommendations and pathways for implementation. By fostering collaboration between local practitioners and the international arts therapy community, Zambia can establish culturally responsive, sustainable interventions that preserve its cultural legacy while contributing to global discourses on mental health.
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References
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den Hertog, T. N., Maassen, E., de Jong, J. T., & Reis, R. (2021). Contextualised understanding of depression: A vignette study among the! Xun and Khwe of South Africa. Transcultural Psychiatry, 58(4), 532-545. https://doi.org/10.1177/1363461520901888
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Integrating Arts Therapies in Zambia: A Reflection on Psycho-Spiritual Cultural Dispositions and their Potential for Healing. (2025). South African Journal of Arts Therapies, 3(1), 12-47. https://doi.org/10.36615/h8cr5a89
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Integrating Arts Therapies in Zambia: A Reflection on Psycho-Spiritual Cultural Dispositions and their Potential for Healing. (2025). South African Journal of Arts Therapies, 3(1), 12-47. https://doi.org/10.36615/h8cr5a89