THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF BURIAL-RELATED CONFLICTS IN IMO STATE COMMUNITIES

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF BURIAL-RELATED CONFLICTS IN IMO STATE COMMUNITIES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

In many Imo State communities, burial ceremonies are not only spiritual observances but also arenas for asserting family prestige and resolving—or exacerbating—inheritance disputes and lineage rivalries. Conflicts may erupt over guest seating, protocol breaches, or perceptions of favoritism by family heads (Walker-Descartes et al., 2021). Such disputes transform mourning rituals into sources of interpersonal stress, complicating the grieving process.

Psychological models highlight that unresolved conflict during bereavement can intensify grief reactions, leading to prolonged bereavement disorder, anxiety, and even depressive episodes (Arango et al., 2018). Moreover, in settings where social harmony is paramount, participants may suppress emotional expression to avoid escalating tensions, resulting in internalized distress and social withdrawal (Hofstraat & van Brakel, 2016). The intersection of cultural expectations, familial power dynamics, and conflict thus poses unique mental-health risks that have yet to be systematically studied in Imo State.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Although burial conflicts in Imo communities are widely recognized as disruptive to familial relations, their psychological impact on mourners remains under-researched. Without empirical evidence on how conflict during funerals affects mental-health outcomes, community leaders and practitioners lack guidance on conflict-resolution strategies that could protect both social cohesion and individual well-being.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To identify the common sources and dynamics of burial-related conflicts in Imo State communities.

To assess the psychological consequences—such as heightened anxiety, depressive symptoms, and social withdrawal—experienced by those involved.

To propose culturally grounded conflict-resolution and mental-health support strategies.

1.4 Research Questions

What forms of conflict typically arise during burial ceremonies in Imo State?

How do these conflicts impact the mental-health and grieving trajectories of involved parties?

Which indigenous or professional interventions can effectively address burial-related disputes and mitigate psychological harm?

 

1.5 Significance of the Study

Community Leaders & Elders: Findings will inform conflict-resolution protocols that preserve ceremony sanctity and bereavement health.

Mental-Health Practitioners: Data on conflict-induced distress will guide targeted counselling approaches.

Policy Makers & Cultural Custodians: Recommendations can support community-based frameworks blending traditional mediation with psychological first aid.

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study

Scope: Adults (25–70 years) in rural and semi-urban Imo communities who experienced a burial conflict within the past three years.

Limitations:

Social Desirability Bias: Participants may underreport conflict severity to maintain family reputation.

Contextual Specificity: Results may not generalize to urban Igbo populations with different social dynamics.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Burial-Related Conflict: Disputes over ritual procedures, resource allocation, or social hierarchies arising during funerary rites.

Prolonged Grief Disorder: Persistent and impairing grief reactions extending beyond cultural norms.

Social Withdrawal: Reduced social interaction stemming from emotional distress or fear of conflict.

Conflict-Resolution Protocols: Structured methods—dialogue, mediation, or elder arbitration—used to resolve disputes.

Psychological First Aid: Immediate supportive interventions aimed at stabilizing emotional distress following a traumatic event.

 

List of References

Arango, C., Díaz-Caneja, C. M., McGorry, P. D., Rapoport, J., Sommer, I. E., Vorstman, J. A., … Carpenter, W. (2018). Preventive strategies for mental health. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(7), 591–604.

Galderisi, S., Heinz, A., Kastrup, M., Beezhold, J., & Sartorius, N. (2015). Toward a new definition of mental health. World Psychiatry, 14(2), 231–233.

Gruebner, O., Rapp, M. A., Adli, M., Kluge, U., Galea, S., & Heinz, A. (2017). Cities and mental health. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 114(8), 121–127.

Hofstraat, K., & van Brakel, W. H. (2016). Social stigma towards neglected tropical diseases: a systematic review. International Health, 8(suppl_1), i53–i70.

Walker-Descartes, I., Mineo, M., Condado, L. V., & Agrawal, N. (2021). Domestic violence and its effects on women, children, and families. Pediatric Clinics, 68(2), 455–464.