Dysfunctional Families - Description

Question 1

Introduction to explanation:

Answer 1

Psychoanalysists have long suspected fam relationships to be a catalyst for the development of schz
Although popularity of psychodynamic approach declined in the 1950’s- role of family relationships has remained a credible idea

Question 2

George Brown:

Answer 2

1 exp: theory of EE
G.Brown joined medical research council of social psychiatry, at the time, antipsych drug chlorpromazine was used widely; patients were stabilised in hospital then discharged. Many relapsed: those that did were likely to have returned to households with high lvls of EE

Question 3

EE Households:

Answer 3

Communication in high EE households is characterised by intense, negative verbal interactions leading to conflict.
Prolonged contact with high EE caregivers has an adverse influence on the illness; may be a cause.

Question 4

EE Components:

Answer 4

1. Critical Comments; High EE caregivers found to be more likely to criticise the individual
2. Hostility: Likely to show high levels of hositility and anger due to irritation + rejection of patient
3. Over emotional involvement: Often too emotionally involved in patient’s life. Show high lvls of sadness + overprotective behaviour.
4. Warmth: Often lack warmth/compassion-usually in low EE caregivers.
5. Positive Regard: Do not generally express much pos regard of the individual

Question 5

High EE as a cause has been found in a number of studies:

Answer 5

Vaughan and Leff:
Study- Investigated impact of fam environments on relapse rates of ind w/ schz
Findings- Found that ind returning to high EE households had a signficiantly higher relapse rate than those returning to low EE households

Butzlaff + Hooley:
Meta analysis- Reviewed multiple studies on EE and schz
Findings: Analysis concluded that High EE was a significant predictor of relapse; w/ those in high EE environments being 2x as likely to relapse than those in low EE environments