UC San Diego

Over the past several decades, a variety of cross-cultural studies have been undertaken to explore the relationship of culture to schizophrenia (cf. Draguns, 1980; Kennedy, 1974; Sauna, 1980). Several investigators (e.g., Murphy, 1982, p. 78) have concluded that schizophrenia is “widely distributed around the world” and “takes a rather similar form in all the diverse societies in which it is found.” In light of these data, it may have seemed reasonable to assume that schizophrenia is not significantly influenced by sociocultural forces. However, in the wake of recent findings by the World Health Organization, such an assumption now appears unfounded. The authors wish to acknowledge the research projects and sources of funding upon which this chapter is based: “The Course of Schizophrenia among Mexican-Americans,” Marvin Karno, M. D., Principal Investigator, National Institute of Mental Health, MH-33502 and 39011; “Family Factors,” Christine Vaughn, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, recently reported upon by Vaughn et al. (1984); “Developmental Processes in Schizophrenic Disorders,” Keith Nuechterlein, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, MH-30911. Anglo-American data from the two latter projects were generously made available to Jenkins (1984), for which we are grateful.