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An Integrated Model Of A Largely Socio Developmental Pathway

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There is consistent evidence that the incidence of psychosis is elevated among ethnic minorities in the UK (Fearon et al, 2006). These higher rates cannot be attributed to diagnostic bias, selective migration or a greater genetic predisposition. Recently, more social and environmental factors have been proposed to account for this phenomena. This review will discuss these explanations and propose an integrated model of a largely socio-developmental pathway. The association of psychosis with unemployment, poverty and lower social class is well documented (Boardman et al, 1997). Compared to the White British, ethnic minorities in the UK experience higher levels of unemployment and are more likely to live in deprived neighbourhoods (2011 …show more content…

While similar odds ratios were found for White British and Black Carribean participants, the prevalence of parental separations was higher in the Black Caribbean sample. The tendency for South Asian family structures to be tight-knit and supportive, may therefore act as a protective factor and account for the relatively lower levels of psychosis compared to the Black Caribbean community (Bhugra et al, 2010). Parental loss and separation has been connected to a variety of adverse early experiences, including family conflict, socioeconomic disadvantage, neglect and abuse (Rutter, 2006). Exposure to such adversity may lead to a cascade of problematic social development that results in increased vulnerability to psychosis (Read et al, 2005). There is growing evidence that exposure to racial discrimination may contribute to the greater incidence of psychosis in ethnic minorities in the UK. In particular, Karlsen et al (2005) found that the level of perceived discrimination among ethnic minorities in the UK mirrored the prevalence rates of psychosis found in other studies (King et al. 2005), with the Afro-Caribbean community reporting the highest levels of discrimination. Further studies showed that they also have a greater tendency to attribute adverse life events, such difficulties with their housing,

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