Psychological Explanations for Schizophrenia Flashcards
What does family dysfunction mean?
A family that fails to provide for some of the members. Typically suffer from communication issues and cold parenting - thought to lead to Sz
What is the Schizophrenogenic mother?
A mother of someone with schizophrenia who acts in such a way that it causes the disorder. The mother acts cold and distant but also dominating and controlling.
What is the effect of the Schizophrenogenic mother?
Her behaviour creates an atmosphere where the child is expected to show emotion and affection but is punished for doing so. This creates tension and secrets, with high levels of unresolved conflict. This explains paranoid delusions and distrust.
What is the Double-bind theory?
A child finds themselves in a situation where they fear doing the wrong thing but have received mixed messages as to what the wrong thing is. They feel unable to comment on the unfairness of this or unable to clarify on what they should do. When they get it wrong they are punished with the removal of love. The issue with this is that it leads to children thinking the world is a dangerous and confusing place.
What is the effect of the Double-bind theory?
Disorganised thinking patterns and paranoid delusions.
What is Expressed Emotion?
The quality of social interaction between a schizophrenic individual and their carers. It refers to the high amount of negative emotion shown towards the sufferer.
What is EE - Hostility?
Blame and rejection towards the sufferer.
What is EE - Emotional Over-Involvement?
Overly involved in the life of the sufferer, including needless self-sacrifice and over-protective behaviour.
What is EE - Verbal criticism?
Name calling, angry exchanges and threats of violence.
What is the evaluation - Retrospective information
Information is gathered retrospectively, meaning people could have distorted memories - under-report good memories and over-report bad ones.
What is the evaluation - Read et al
There is evidence linking families and Sz. Read found adults with Sz are much more likely to have type C or D attachment. He found that 69% of women and 59% of men with Sz report childhood abuse.
What is the evaluation - socially sensitive
Research may be published to increase understanding, however actually reinforces gender bias by placing the bales on the mother. This has an unfair, negative effect on mothers and the families.
