Evaluating psychological explanations (family) for SZ

Question 1

A03 - Supporting research?

Answer 1

E - Lidz et al (1965) looked at cases of 50 SZ patients and investigated their family backgrounds. 45 (90%) were found to have seriously disturbed famliles. 60% of the patients had 1 or both parents with a serious personality disorder. parental marragies were typically characterized by dominant and one submissive parent.

E - Skewed family parents frequantly make emotional demands on their children. This evidence supports the theory of psychological influences increasing the probabaility of SZ (credible).

• Lidz et al (1965)
• 50 SZs family backgrounds
• 45 (90%) disturbed families
• 60% 1 or both parents with serious personality disorder
• one dom one submissive

Question 2

A03 - Alternate explanation?

Answer 2

P - However, there are alternative explanations of SZ, that are more scientific (more credible)

E - This approach explains the origins of SZ as a consequence of a dysfunctional family, which is based on factors that are difficult to study objectively (childhood/uncoinscious mind). These concepts are subjective and required a degree of interpretation which restricts the validity of the account.

E - More holistic and scientific approaches include the biological approache (more observable and therefore more credible).

• Alternative explanations
• dysfucntional familychildhood/uncoinscious mind

Question 3

A03 - Practical explanation

Answer 3

P - Leff et al (family therapy)

E - using 24 patients, a programme was designed that involved educational sessions dealing with the nature of SZ, symptoms and best way to deal with it. Group meetings took place between families to discuss how they dealt with SZ family members. family sessions took place where social workers and other professionals were present.

E - The families involved in the intervention showed significant decrease in critical commitment.

• Leff et al
• famly therapy
• 24 patients
• programme