Abstract

L. ERLENMEYER-KIMLING PH.D. 1 , SUSAN NICOL M.A. 2 , JOHN D. RAINER M.D. 3 , , and W. EDWARDS DEMING PH.D. 4 1 Senior research scientist, department of medical genetics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 722 W. 168th St., New York, N. Y. 10032 2 Assistant research scientist, department of medical genetics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 722 W. 168th St., New York, N. Y. 10032 3 Acting chief of psychiatric research, department of medical genetics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 722 W. 168th St., New York, N. Y. 10032 4 Statistical consultant, department of medical genetics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 722 W. 168th St., New York, N. Y. 10032 Two cohorts of patients admitted to New York state hospitals in 1934-36 and in 1954-56 with the diagnosis of schizophrenia were compared to assess possible changes in marital and reproductive rates during the 20-year period. The authors found that patients of both sexes and all age groups in the later cohort showed increases in marital and reproductive rates in comparison with those in the earlier cohort. They attribute this trend to decreased length of hospital stay as well as more flexible social attitudes toward former patients and discuss its implications for population genetics and community problems.