Symmetry Breaking in a Generalized Skyrme Model

We first outline the calculations of the neutron-proton mass difference and of the axial singlet matrix element (relevant to the "proton spin" puzzle) in a generalized Skyrme model of pseudoscalars and vectors. These two calculations are, perhaps surprisingly, linked to each other and furthermore are sensitive to some fine details of symmetry breaking in the effective meson Lagrangian. This provides a motivation for us to examine these symmetry breaking terms more closely. We find a qualitatively new feature in the symmetry breaking pattern of the vector meson system and discuss its significance. (Talk at Workshop on "Baryons as Skyrme Solitons," Sept. 28-30, 1992, Siegen, Germany.)