Narratives of individuals seeking folk healing in the province of antique / Pauline S. Saludares, Anthea D. Servano, Denise Wynslitte V. Alagos, Sheila Mae O. Texon, Cameron F. Pelingon, Craig Jan Ellsworth T. Navaja

Includes bibliographical references.

Abstract

This study explores the narratives of individuals seeking folk healing in the Province of Antique focusing on the experiences before, during, and after undergoing folk healing, and how they make sense of these experiences. Using a qualitative narrative research approach, six participants were purposively selected. Data were gathered through semi-structured narrative interviews and analyzed using narrative analysis. Key findings reveal five main themes: personal and social motivation such as persistent physical ailments, emotional distress due to physical ailments and immediate environmental influence; perception of the healing process such as feelings of nervousness and fear, and experienced ambiguity; the impact of folk healing in strengthening trust such as perceived divine intervention, belief in elemental entities, and deepening trust; healing as a dual domain experience such as physical recovery and emotional relief; folk healing as Integral part of health practices and cultural heritage illustrated participants' perceived limitations of medical treatment and preserving the folk healing. The study highlights that folk healing is perceived as a cultural and relational experience shaped by multiple environmental systems, as explained by Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, grounded in community values. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of health-seeking behaviors, the relational and cultural importance of folk healing in the Province of Antique, even in the presence of modern medical health services.

Keywords: folk healing, narratives, health-seeking individuals, ecological systems theory Province of Antique

Theses/Dissertations