Article

Conceptions of love in Ghana: An exploration among Ghanaian Christians

Published in: Journal of Psychology in Africa
Volume 28 , issue 2 , 2018 , pages: 83–88

DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2018.1454576

Author(s): Annabella Osei-Tutu Department of Psychology, Ghana , Vivian A. Dzokoto Department of African American Studies, USA , Katja Hanke Survey Design and Methodology, Germany , Glenn Adams Department of Psychology, USA , Faye Z. Belgrave Department of Health Psychology, USA

Keywords: Christianity , culture , expressions of love , love , personal relationships

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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.

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