Mass Phenomena at a Black South African Primary School

The current study has important implications in the South African context. The team acted as a bridge between the department of education and the school and community systems, establishing links for future negotiations between them. The ecological systems approach facilitated openness to both traditional and Western concepts of mental health by the team, the school community, and the department of education. This approach resulted in a healing method rooted in the realities of the community, realities that must be recognized if the goal is to develop effective mental health services and community outreach programs in South Africa.