Work

Supernatural beliefs encode knowledge about malaria but inhibit uptake of biomedical interventions among Siberut Mentawai

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: To what extent do supernatural beliefs encode medical and ecological knowledge? Here, we investigate the similarity between biomedical understandings of malaria and the spirit illness kisei (contact with spirits) through interviews with Mentawai individuals in southern Siberut, Indonesia ( n = 90). We find that kisei is the most culturally salient explanation for general fever and, contrary to some other mystically caused illnesses (e.g., moralistic punishment), is often said to occur outside the victim's control. Kisei encodes several features of the scientific understanding of malaria, including symptom profiles (fever, headache, chills) and ecological risk factors (going to the forest, doing outdoor activities at night). Although individuals endorsed supernatural and natural explanations of fever, they reported a strong preference for traditional healing practices (e.g., shamans, herbal treatments) over biomedical clinics for treating kisei , suggesting that its salience inhibits the uptake of new biomedical interventions. Our research demonstrates how traditional ecological knowledge can be embodied in apparently non-naturalistic explanations of illness.

Source: Evolution and Human Behavior

DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2026.106898

Authors: Dimas Iqbal Romadhon, Manvir Singh

Institution: University of California, Davis

Language: English

Topic: Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,330