Traditional Lakota Concept of Well-Being: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Most psychological research from which treatments are developed has typically been from the majority population overlooking American Indian/Alaskan Native racial/ethnic groups. This qualitative study examines how traditional Lakota healers conceptualize well-being from their unique perspectives. Seven healers were interviewed using a 3 question semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were transcribed into the Lakota language then translated from Lakota to English. The interviewed were then analyzed inductively using a grounded theory method. From the data, a central theme emerged: the traditional Lakota concept of well-being (Wicozani). The healers identified five distinct way that well-being (Wicozani) may be achieved. These are that: (1) well-being is attained and maintained through one's prayerful awareness and experience with religious beliefs or the sacred/the holy - the Wakan; (2) well-being is attained and maintained through maintaining healthy relationships with family, tribal structure and all of creation; (3) well-being is attained and maintained through consistent practice of prayer through rituals and traditions; (4) well-being is attained and maintained through successful recovery from traumatic experiences; (5) the need to enact the values to attain and maintain an integrated sense of well-being. The results suggest that there are similarities across the Lakota culture and the majority culture despite epistemic difference. Based on the findings, implication and recommendations were made.