Author: Bukola Olayinka KANUMUANGI, Dr. Temidayo ONOJOBI & Dr. Oluwakemi OLAYEMI
Date: 20/02/2026
Being well-clothed or physically fit does not define the mental stability or wellbeing of a person. Lots of psychologically imbalance has derailed to madness and increased the number of mad people roaming the African streets. One wonders if there is no proper specialized treatment for the citizens. This study examined the interpretation and response of Africans towards mental disorder and Psychotherapy in Sub-Saharan region through selected novels Petit Piment by Alain Mabanckou and L’appel des Arènes by Aminata Sow Fall. Excerpts from the selected novels, articles in academic and non-academic journals and an interview served as data for the study. The societies of the two selected francophone African novels, in addition to an anglophone country were considered in the course of the research: Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa), Republic of Congo (Brazaville), Senegal and Nigeria. It was discovered that African culture has negative influence on mental health treatments as stigmatization, cultural belief, old and inadequate psychiatric facilities, hospital, equipment and medical personnel, low level of mental state awareness, long distance to access psychiatric hospital or clinic and poverty stand as obstacles to better mental disorder treatments and healing. The study recommends that sensitization and re-orientation on early detection of psychological problems, orthodox treatment, renovations of facilities, employment of more manpower in the mental health sector and prioritization of children wellbeing should be considered.
Keywords: Mental health, culture, psychotherapy, wellbeing
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