Study identifies ten psychosocial consequences of slavery in Haiti
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Lefaso.net
Illustrative image · Mikhail Nilov · Pexels · Licence PexelsHaitian psychologist Judite Blanc, a researcher at the University of Miami, identifies ten psychosocial consequences linked to slavery and the debt imposed on Haiti after its independence. Her study, published in the journal L’Autre, proposes a model for psychosocial reparations after more than ten years of research, according to a statement dated 30 October 2026.
Haitian psychologist Judite Blanc, a researcher at the University of Miami and Haiti’s delegate to the CARICOM Reparations Commission, identifies ten psychosocial consequences linked to colonial slavery and Haiti’s independence debt. Her work, published in the French-language scientific journal L’Autre and presented in a statement dated 30 October, also proposes a model for psychosocial reparations, according to Lefaso.net.
The study cites, among other consequences, child abuse, low self-esteem, violence against women, a desire for whiteness in romantic relationships, linguistic insecurity, widespread mistrust and self-destructive behaviours. Judite Blanc links these manifestations to Haiti’s colonial history and to the economic and social consequences of the debt paid to France after independence, according to Lefaso.net.
The researcher says that restorative justice can help heal historical trauma and reconcile the Haitian people with themselves and with former colonial powers. The publication comes as CARICOM, an organisation bringing together Caribbean states, updates its ten-point plan for reparatory justice, according to Lefaso.net.
