Psychological Analyses of "Iseee" Response in Igbo Cultural Area of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

"Iseee" response has continued to generate confusion; while some people attributed it to Igbo cultural practice, others ascribed it to African traditional religion. This has terribly severed interpersonal and inter-group relationship among Igbo people. It equally created cognitive and cultural conflicts. In an attempt to ascertain and solve the imbroglio, this study explored the psychological components of "iseee" response among Igbo people of Anambra state, Nigeria. A qualitative approach was adopted and twenty adults whose ages ranged from 22 - 67 with mean age of 44.5 and standard deviation 5.2 were proportionately selected. The participants consisted of ten pastors and ten African traditional worshippers. Five key questions were developed, validated and utilized for the interview. The results showed significant differences in understanding of "iseee". While all the African traditional worshippers agreed that "iseee" is a cultural practice and should be used wherever Igbos are gathered; 90% of the pastors interviewed maintained that it is a paganism practice and should not be used in Christian events. The researchers recommended for mutual understanding of "iseee" as a cultural practice. Such mutual understanding will help to fostering peace, as well as personal and community development.