Psychological explanations of sz (family, double bind, EE) Flashcards
One explanation of sz is family dysfunction
This is ABNORMAL processes within the family such as POOR communication, which are seen as RISK factors for the development of sz.
Another explanation of sz is SZ MOTHER
Frieda proposed this explanation of sz based on accounts of patients from their childhood.
Schizophregenic means sz causing and includes features such as COLD, REJECTING and CONTROLLING which creates a tension and secrecy within the family.
This leads to DISTRUST which later develops into PARANOID delusions and then sz.
An explanation of sz is DOUBLE BIND theory
Sz is a REACTION to a parent presenting a NO WIN situation. This is created by CONTRADICTING communicatin between tone of voice and content. E,g, ‘come give mummy a hug.’ adn then fnreezes when child approaches and tells child off. This leads to SOCIAL withdrawal in order to ESCAPE double bind situations.
Prolonged exposure to this leaves child with a CONFUSING and DANGEROUS understanding of the world.
links to disorganised thinking and paranoid delusions.
Another explanation of sz is EXPRESSED EMOTION
This is a FAMILY communication style. When members are CRITICAL and HOSTILE towards the patient and show OVER INVOLVEMENT in the patients life.
HIGH levels of EE are likely
to influence RELAPSE RATES. FOUR times more likely to relapse when a patient has a family with a high EE rate.
Suggests that ppl with sz have a LOWER tolerance for intense emotional situations, negative emotional climate in these families AROUSES the patients and leads to STRESS beyond the patients COPING mechanisms, therefore TRIGGERING an episode.
Another psychological more OCG explanation of sz is that there is disruption to normal mental processing.
FRITH ET AL identified two kinds of dysfunctional thought processes:
METAREPRESNATION
CENTRAL CONTROL
What is metarepresentation?
The COG ability to REFLECT on thoughts and BEHAVIOUR. Dysfunctional metarep DISRUPTS our ability to recoginse our own thoughts as oUR OWN and could leading to HEARING voiceos and having thought PLACED in mind by OTHERS (delusions_
what is central control?
The cog ability to SUPPRESS automatic responses whilst performing DELIBERATE actions. Sz is linked to DYSFUNCTION of central control. Speech poverty could be a result of NOT suppressing these automatic thoughts.
