Clinical experience with Samoans in Auckland, New Zealand.

Samoans constitute the second largest ethnic Polynesian minority group in New Zealand. Generally, this is a socially and culturally deprived group from a European viewpoint. Causative factors of social and emotional stress and coping mechanisms are described. A number of culturally determined syndromes are encountered clinically. These are categorized. A practical, clinical approach to the Samoan patient is suggested.