Abstract
ABSTRACTThe 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.
Highlights
Southeast Asia and South Asia are among the most culturally diverse parts of the world
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
The most significant findings of this study fell under five subordinate themes, which were under the main superordinate theme of factors contributing to their psychological wellbeing and happiness
Summary
Southeast Asia and South Asia are among the most culturally diverse parts of the world. Many of the minority groups and indigenous people in this region are marginalized and receive little government support and legal protection compared to such populations in the West (e.g., Choudhry & Bokharey, 2013; Meijknecht & de Vries, 2010; Miller, 2011). In Asia, ensuring human rights for minorities and indigenous people at the national and regional level is still in its infancy, especially in practice (Ghanea-Hercock, 2004; Hayee, 2012). There is a dearth of literature on the ethnic and religious minorities of Asia, and very few studies with a focus on psychological resilience (Choudhry & Bokharey, 2013; Jamadar, 2012; Sharma, 2011). According to Ryff and Keyes (1995)
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