Conceptions of love in Ghana: An exploration among Ghanaian Christians |
| |
| Authors: | Annabella Osei-Tutu Vivian A. Dzokoto Katja Hanke Glenn Adams Faye Z. Belgrave |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana;2. Department of African American Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA;3. Survey Design and Methodology, GESIS-Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, Mannheim, Germany;4. Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA;5. Department of Health Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA |
| |
| Abstract: | We explored conceptions of love from the perspective of Ghanaian Christians. Using an ethnographic approach, we interviewed 61 participants (males = 39; females = 22; age range 20 to 70) on their understanding and experiences of love in the context of family. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed understandings of love expression in meeting material needs (of children, spouse, parents, and close relatives), helping other people in need (including the elderly, friends, and strangers), and affectionate care. Communal and maintenance-oriented love appears to characterise love expression among Ghanaian Christians. |
| |
| Keywords: | Christianity culture expressions of love love personal relationships |
|
|
