family dysfunction

Question 1

what are some strengths of family dysfunction?

Answer 1

1. there is evidence linking family dysfunction to schizophrenia
   - indicators of family dysfunction include insecure attachment and childhood abuse
   - Read et al - found adults with schizophrenia are very likely to have insecure attachment and a history of physical/sexual abuse
   - strongly suggests that family dysfunction makes people more vulnerable to schizophrenia

Question 2

what are some weaknesses of family dysfunction?

Answer 2

2. however, there is a poor evidence base for these explanations
   - almost no evidence to support the importance of traditional family-based theories like the schizophrenogenic mother and the double bind theory
   - because these theories are based on clinical observation of people and also informal assessments of their mothers
   - does not provide systematic evidence
   - these family explanations have not been able to account for the link between childhood trauma and schizophrenia