Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026)
Space and Culture, India

Research

Belief, Space, and Productivity: The Cultural Economy of Mystical Illnessin Denpasar, Bali

Published 2026-06-20

  • Kadek Wulandari Laksmi P
    • ,
  • Komang Widhya Sedana Putra P
    • ,
  • IGN Oka Ariwangsa

Kadek Wulandari Laksmi P
Faculty of Economy and Business, Universitas Pendidikan Nasional, Bali, Indonesia

Komang Widhya Sedana Putra P
Faculty of Economy and Business, Universitas Pendidikan Nasional, Bali, Indonesia

IGN Oka Ariwangsa
Faculty of Economy and Business, Universitas Pendidikan Nasional, Bali, Indonesia

Abstract

Mystical illness beliefs—encompassing notions of witchcraft, spirit possession, and supernatural affliction—remain embedded in many societies and continue to shape health-related behaviour, work practices, and economic life. In Denpasar, Bali, where traditional spiritual frameworks intersect with an increasingly modern urban economy, such beliefs retain social relevance. However, empirical evidence on how these culturally embedded beliefs relate to economic outcomes remains limited. This study addresses this gap by examining the relationships between belief in mystical illness, work productivity, economic life, and religious education. Data were collected from 200 economically active individuals in Denpasar using a structured questionnaire and purposive sampling. The analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess both direct and indirect relationships, including mediation and moderation effects. The findings indicate that belief in mystical illness is positively associated with both work productivity and economic life, with work productivity partially mediating this relationship. In addition, religious education has been found to moderate the link between belief and economic outcomes, shaping how such beliefs translate into economic behaviour. While the moderating effect is relatively modest, it remains statistically significant. These results suggest that mystical illness beliefs do not operate solely as constraints on economic performance. Rather, within this context, they form part of a broader cultural system that can coexist with productive economic activity. The study highlights the importance of incorporating cultural and spiritual dimensions into analyses of economic behaviour and suggests that policy approaches should be sensitive to locally embedded belief systems. Although the findings are limited to an urban setting and rely on self-reported data, they offer insights into the complex interaction between belief, productivity, and economic life in culturally diverse contexts.

Keywords

Mystical Illness Beliefs, Economic Stability, Work Productivity, Religious Education, Health-Seeking Behaviour, Alternative Medicines, Bali, Indonesia

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Author Biography

Kadek Wulandari Laksmi P

Dr Kadek Wulandari Laksmi P., S.E., M.M., is a lecturer in Management Science at Universitas Pendidikan Nasional, Bali, Indonesia. She specialises in management with a focus on financial management. Her interest is in global financial issues and how international financial dynamics can affect the domestic economy and public welfare. Her interest in global financial issues has deepened over time. This motivates her to push for better financial education in the community. A strong understanding of personal financial planning, prudent money management, and long-term investment is key to achieving financial well-being.

Komang Widhya Sedana Putra P

Komang Widhya Sedana Putra P., S.E., M.M., is a lecturer in Management Science at Universitas Pendidikan Nasional, Bali, Indonesia. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics in 2012 and completed his Master’s degree in Economics with a concentration in Management in 2016. Before entering academia, he had over 12 years of professional experience as a banker. He is currently active in writing scientific articles in the fields of Management and Digital Business, with several publications in accredited national journals and reputable international journals.

IGN Oka Ariwangsa

Dr IGN Oka Ariwangsa is a lecturer in Management Science at Universitas Pendidikan Nasional, Bali, Indonesia. With a strong educational background and professional experience. An interest in global financial issues drives him to continue deepening his knowledge and advancing his understanding of how international financial dynamics can affect the domestic economy and society's welfare. This interest in global financial issues has deepened over time. Observing how changes in the world economy, such as stock market fluctuations, international monetary policy, and developments in financial technology (fintech), can affect financial stability at the individual and national levels. This motivates him to push for better financial education in the community.

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