Family Dysfunction (psychological)

Question 1

What did Bateson propose?

Answer 1

• the Double Bind theory

- disturbed patterns of communication and family dysfunction might be a risk factor causing sz

Question 2

What is the Double Bind hypothesis?

Answer 2

• children are given conflicting messages from parents
• e.g. caring sometimes and then critical
• e.g. saying positive comments negatively
• creates confusion, withdrawal, self-doubt in children
• can start developing sz symptoms like withdrawal, disorganised thinking, delusions

Question 3

What is a martial schism?

Answer 3

• parents argue in front of children
• involve children in arguments
• causes distress and confusion for child

Question 4

Evaluate the double bind theory of communication.

Answer 4

(+) Berger supports this - sz patients reported higher recall of double bind statements by mothers than healthy patients.

(+) Read supports this - difficult families = high risk 69%F, 59%M adult sz patients had history of physical or sexual abuse in childhood.

(-) investigation was retrospective - relies on participants memories

(-) cause and effect

(-) ethical issues - psychological harm

Question 5

What did Kavanagh suggest?

Answer 5

• Expressed Emotion

- negative emotional interactions/climate in families play a part in causing and maintaining symptoms

Question 6

What is expressed emotion?

Answer 6

• set of traits whereby family members talk about/to sz patient in a critical or hostile manner
• aids in sz relapse
• e.g. criticism, hostility, emotional over involvement

Question 7

What are the effects of high expressed emotion?

Answer 7

• families with high EE talk more than listen, sz patient has less tolerance for emotional stimuli (causes stress)
• sz patients 4x more likely to relapse
• high EE families predict relapsing of mental disorders
• EE more typical in developed countries than developing ones

Question 8

Evaluate Expressed Emotion.

Answer 8

(+) Brown conducted research agreeing with Kavanagh - EE = relapse

(+) large amount evidence to support high EE = relapse

(-) sz patients have little contact with family, minimal chance of EE being a casual factor of sz

(-) cause and effect

(-) ignores biological factors