“We are the soul, pearl and beauty of Hindu Kush Mountains”: exploring resilience and psychological wellbeing of Kalasha, an ethnic and religious minority group in Pakistan
The Kalasha are a marginalized ethnic and religious minority group in northern Pakistan. The Kalasha minority is known for their divergent polytheistic beliefs, and represents the outliers of the collectively monotheistic Muslim population of Pakistan. This study aimed to explore the psychologica...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English English English |
| Published: |
Taylor and Francis Ltd.
2017
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/73018/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/73018/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/73018/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/73018/1/We%20are%20the%20pearl.pdf http://irep.iium.edu.my/73018/8/73018_%E2%80%9CWe%20are%20the%20soul%2C%20pearl%20and%20beauty_scopus.pdf http://irep.iium.edu.my/73018/7/73018_%E2%80%9CWe%20are%20the%20soul%2C%20pearl%20and%20beauty_wos.pdf |
| Summary: | The Kalasha are a marginalized ethnic and religious minority group in northern Pakistan. The
Kalasha minority is known for their divergent polytheistic beliefs, and represents the outliers
of the collectively monotheistic Muslim population of Pakistan. This study aimed to explore
the psychological resilience beliefs and lived experiences of the Kalasha and to identify
cultural protective factors and indigenous beliefs that help them maintain psychological
wellbeing and resilience. Seven semi-structured interviews and two focus-group discussions
were conducted. The total sample consisted of 6 women and 8 men, aged 20–58 years
(Mage = 36.29, SD = 12.58). The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis qualitative method
was chosen. Study findings identified that factors contributing to the wellbeing, happiness
and resilience enhancement beliefs of Kalasha included five main themes, all influenced by
their unique spirituality: contentment, pride in social identity, tolerance, gender collaboration
and gratitude. The study also revealed the Kalasha’s perception of their marginalization
related to challenges and threats. The Kalasha emphasized bringing these resilience enhancement
beliefs into practice, as a mean to buffer against challenges. In conclusion, this study
revealed Kalasha’s wellbeing and resilience enhancement factors, which they believed in and
practiced as an element of their indigenous culture and religion. |
|---|