Schizophrenia and African-Caribbeans: a conceptual model of aetiology

Several studies in the UK have observed that the inception rates of schizop hrenia among the African-Caribbeans are well elevated when compared with Wh ite populations. However, on the basis of available data on biological fact ors it appears that social factors play a more important role in the aetiol ogy of schizophrenia in this group. Reviewing the current state of literatu re on self-esteem and social factors it is proposed that lack of early atta chments and prolonged separation from one or both parents may well play, a significant role in the genesis of schizophrenia in this group. It is propo sed that some of these factors mediate through low self-esteem and the clin icians and researchers alike are urged to explore further the role of self- esteem in genesis and maintenance of symptoms of schizophrenia.