A Psychosocial Study of Albinism in a Predominately Mulatto Caribbean Community 1

Psychosocial data collected from 12 albinos in rural and isolated parts of the Dominican Republic suggest a stigma is associated with the absence of skin color. The general population living in the area has a skin pigmentation of dark brown. The purpose of the investigation was to assess whether there were psychosocial problems for albinos with white skin and hair. Prior studies imply albinism is a negative social characteristic associated with prejudice and apartheid in a predominately mulatto community. This researcher recommends that psychologists and health-care providers be familiar with similar sensitive issues among special populations.