Schizophrenia (Dysfunctional Families) Flashcards
What does the Double Bind Theory suggest about schizophrenia?
It suggests schizophrenia develops due to conflicting communication patterns within families.
Who proposed the Double Bind Theory and when?
Gregory Bateson in 1956.
What is a “double bind” statement?
A message that contains contradictory verbal and non-verbal cues (e.g. a parent saying “I love you” in a cold tone).
What is “paralanguage” in the context of double bind theory?
Non-verbal cues such as tone, facial expressions, and body language that can contradict spoken language.
What effect can double bind communication have on a child?
It may confuse the child, impair their logical responses, and lead to maladaptive thinking patterns.
What did Berger (1965) find related to double bind theory?
Schizophrenics recalled more double bind statements from their mothers than controls.
What did Mischler & Waxler (1968) find?
Families of schizophrenics demonstrated inadequate interpersonal communication.
What is Expressed Emotion (EE)?
A family environment characterized by high levels of criticism, hostility, and emotional overinvolvement.
What are the 3 main components of EE?
Critical comments, hostility, and emotional overinvolvement.
What are examples of low EE communication?
Warmth, empathy, positive regard (e.g., “They can’t help it, bless them”).
What did Kavanagh (1992) find about EE and relapse?
Schizophrenics in high EE families were 4x more likely to relapse.
What did Brown (1959) find about home environment and relapse?
Relapse was more likely for patients returning to live with parents or spouses.
What did Vaughn and Leff (1976) discover?
53% of schizophrenics with high EE relatives relapsed vs. 12% with low EE relatives.
What is a strength of double bind theory?
It may explain why schizophrenia runs in families.
What are major criticisms of double bind theory?
Cause-effect cannot be established, it may be sexist, and “double bind” is hard to define.
What did Ringuette & Kennedy (1996) find about defining double bind?
Experts were no better than non-experts at identifying double bind statements.
What did Schuman (1967) argue?
The vagueness of the double bind concept limits research and support.
What are criticisms of EE theory?
It can’t explain the onset of schizophrenia, not all evidence supports it, and it may unfairly blame families.
What did McCreadie & Phillips (1998) find?
No significant difference in relapse rates between high and low EE environments.
What issue arises if schizophrenics are unaware of their high EE environment?
They may not internalize criticism, weakening the link between EE and relapse.
Why is the idea of high vs. low EE potentially invalid?
EE may be variable, not static, so it may not predict outcomes reliably.
What is a general strength of family-based theories?
They increase understanding of schizophrenic experiences and inform care approaches.
What are methodological issues with these theories?
Many are based on self-report, which may include recall bias and demand characteristics.
Why is timing an issue for these theories?
They don’t explain why schizophrenia often begins in adolescence or early adulthood.
