Psychological Impacts of Animism and Religiosity on the Igbo People of Nigeria

The psychological impacts of animism and religiosity were investigated among the Igbo people of Nigeria. The study employed ethnographic methods to gather data through observations, participations in public conversations, religious and cultural events, photography, interviews of informants and some relevant media reports. Thematic analysis was used to present and analyse the data. Three major themes were identified, which are „peace of mind‟, „fear of spiritual attacks‟ and „supernatural forces are blamed‟. The study found evidence of different kinds of psychological coping among the community members which are drawn from traditional and religious rituals. There is also evidence of fear which has its root from animistic and religious beliefs. The belief that spirits or fellow human beings can spiritually attack people brings fear to the members. However, this fear may varnish and heightened peace of mind and confidence may be experienced after conducting religious rituals designed to destroy any supposed magico-spiritual attacks. The researcher concludes that animism and religiosity has double-sided psychological effects on the people consistently with previous studies on religion.