Family Dysfunction

Question 1

What is Family Dysfunction?

Answer 1

Dysfunction in the communication in the family causing high levels of tension which can cause them to relapse.

Question 2

Explain Schizophrenogenic mother.

Answer 2

-due to early experience
-cold controlling rejecting and emotionally unresponsive
-family climate of tension and secrecy
-distress or paranoid delusions
passive father.

Question 3

Explain the double bind communication.

Answer 3

-Baetson et al, due to faulty communication in the family
-the parents communcates a verbal message but it does match with there non verbal message
-conflicting and confusing forms of message lead to mixed signals being given to the child
-e.g
-withdrawal social contact (avolition)
-mixed signals lead to paranoid delusions

Question 4

Explain expressed emotions.

Answer 4

-negative emotions are expressed to the patient from family members
-verbal criticisms, hostility, emotional over invovlment
-relapse due to resurgence of positive and negative symptoms
-cause stress because of the harrassment.

Question 5

What are the evaluations?

Answer 5

Mednick et al
Berger
Alternate explanation
Practical explanation

Question 6

Explain RTS by Mednick et al?

Answer 6

-207 children from dysfunctional families
-all had schizophrenogenic mothers
-found 10yrs later that 17 diagnosed with schizophrenia
-8% compared to 1 % of the general population
-increasing the validity as characteristics increase the likelihood

Question 7

Explain the RTS by Berger.

Answer 7

-asked about the communication with there parents
-those with schizophrenia experienced a double bind communication
-Supports, as it shows mixed communication in childhood can lead to schizphrenia

Question 8

Explain the evaluation of alternate explanation.

Answer 8

-due to hyperdopaminergia
-high dopamine acitivity levels in central area of the brain associated with symptoms
-auditory hallucinations HDA brocas area
-rather than family dysfunction

Question 9

Explain the evaluations of Practical explanation?

Answer 9

-POT, schiz due to faulty family communication
-has led to treatments such as family therapy
-effective
-therapist alters the relationship and communication patterns
-reduce stress and expressed emotions prevent relapse
-important part of app;ied psychology