Mourning Ritual Participation, Subjective Well-Being and Prosocial Behaviour among the Luhya people of Kenya

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between participation in mourning rituals, well-being and prosociality within the Luhya community of western Kenya. Cooperation, essential for human success, is often reinforced through rituals that strengthen social bonds and collective identity. We hypothesized that mourning rituals enhance prosocial behaviour, and that this relationship is mediated by subjective well-being. To test these hypotheses, study 1 utilized quantitative surveys to assess the pathway between ritual participation, well-being and prosociality. In support of our hypotheses, we found a strong total effect of ritual participation on prosociality, and strong evidence for the pathway between ritual participation, well-being and prosociality. To contextualize these findings, study 2 employed qualitative methods, including focus groups and interviews, to capture participants’ experiences. Narratives illustrated how mourning rituals facilitated communication, emotional expression and community cohesion. Participants noted that rituals helped process grief and reinforced social ties. However, some rituals were perceived negatively, highlighting their complex emotional impact. Overall, our findings suggest that Luhya mourning rituals are vital for enhancing well-being and fostering prosociality, emphasizing the importance of cultural practices in promoting cooperation across communities.