Peri-rite psychological issues faced by newly initiated traditionally circumcised South African Xhosa men

Abstract 

Background

The aim of this paper was to explore the peri-rite psychological issues of traditional circumcision as experienced by newly initiated Xhosa men in East London, South Africa. The practise of male traditional circumcision is challenged with problems ranging from hospitalisation to deaths of initiates in traditional circumcision ‘schools’.

Methods

A qualitative study that is explorative and interpretive was followed. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 14 participants who volunteered for the study. Focus group discussions (FGD) were used as a method for data collection. Only one question was asked in all the groups: What is your experience of undergoing indigenous circumcision? Facilitative communication techniques were used to encourage participants to talk during the interview sessions. Data was collected using a voice recorder until saturation occurred. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed according to Tesch's eight-step descriptive method.

Results

The study revealed three themes associated with the participation of Xhosa men in the circumcision ritual in South Africa, which include: (1) issues associated with proper involvement of families during the ritual; (2) issues associated with being in the circumcision school; (3) issues associated with failing the manhood test.

Conclusions

The research findings indicate that psychological issues associated with indigenous circumcision revolve around the proper execution of the ritual according to tradition.

Keywords: Traditional circumcision, South Africa, Men's health, Initiates, Phenomenology, Qualitative research, Psychological issues