Family dysfunction Flashcards
Who conducted RTS the schizophrenogenic mother?
Mednick et al
What did Mednick et al do?
They researched 207 children (high risk for developing sz) who were raised in dysfunctional families where the mothers were cold, rejecting and emotionally unresponsive to their children’s needs.
What did Mednick find?
It was found that 10 years later, 17 children were diagnosed with schizophrenia, which is 85 compared to 1% of the general population
What data does Mednick’s research use?
Prospective data, therefore it does not have the confounding variable of patients having to look back to their childhood and recall information that may be incorrect due to the passing of time. - increasing the internal validity
Who conducted RTS double bind communication?
Berger
What did Berger do?
When asked about the interactions with their parents in childhood, it was found that schizophrenics could remember more instances of double bind communication from their mother than people without sz.
What data is Berger’s research based on?
Retrospective data as the patient has to think back to childhood. Therefore, there are inaccuracies in recall as a long period of time has passed - reducing the internal validity
What is a strength?
Practical applications
What practical applications are there?
The principles that sz is caused by faulty family communication has led to the treatment of family therapy
How is family therapy effective?
A therapist will meet with the patient and their family in order to try and alter relationship and communication patterns which reduces stress levels and expressed emotion and can help prevent relapse of schizophrenia
