Psychological explanations for schizophrenia Flashcards
Family Dysfunction
A psychological explanation for schizophrenia suggesting that maladaptive relationships and communication within a family contribute to the development of schizophrenia.
Evidence for Family Dysfunction: Lidz et al. (1958)
Lidz et al. found that schizophrenogenic families often displayed high levels of conflict, overprotection, and lack of empathy, supporting the link between family dysfunction and schizophrenia.
Evidence against Family Dysfunction
Critics argue that family dysfunction might be an effect rather than a cause of schizophrenia. Additionally, findings may suffer from retrospective bias as family behaviours are often assessed after diagnosis.
Cognitive Explanations
Psychological explanations focusing on dysfunctional thought processing, such as impaired information filtering and difficulties in understanding others’ intentions, contributing to schizophrenia.
Evidence for Cognitive Explanations
Research shows that individuals with schizophrenia often exhibit cognitive biases, such as jumping to conclusions and impaired Theory of Mind, supporting dysfunctional thought processing as a factor.
Evidence against Cognitive Explanations
Critics argue that cognitive deficits may be a symptom of schizophrenia rather than a cause. Additionally, cognitive explanations may ignore biological factors, such as neurotransmitter imbalances.
Schizophrenogenic Mother
A term used to describe a type of parent (typically a mother) who is overprotective, controlling, and rejecting, potentially contributing to the development of schizophrenia.
Double Bind Theory
A theory suggesting that contradictory messages from parents to a child, such as conflicting verbal and non-verbal cues, create confusion and stress that may lead to schizophrenia.
Evidence for Double Bind Theory
Studies have found higher levels of contradictory communication in families of individuals with schizophrenia, lending support to the double bind theory.
Evidence against Double Bind Theory
Critics argue that the theory is based on outdated and unreplicated research. It also lacks empirical evidence and does not account for genetic factors.
Dysfunctional Thought Processing
Cognitive impairments where individuals struggle with attention, memory, and interpreting social cues, which may contribute to symptoms of schizophrenia.
Metarepresentation
A cognitive process allowing individuals to reflect on their own and others’ thoughts. Impairments in metarepresentation are associated with hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia.
Central Control
The cognitive ability to suppress automatic responses while performing deliberate actions. Dysfunction in central control is linked to disorganised speech and thought in schizophrenia.
