family therapy

• what does family studies follow along from?

  Families are believed to play a role in schizophrenia- explained by psychological explanations: schizophrenogenic mother and double bind theory
• what do family therapy aim to do?

  Family therapy aims to improve the interaction that goes on within families as we know that this can contribute towards relapse. This therapy aims to reduce the level of expressed emotion within families. 
• what did Pharoah et al (2010) identify as the following strategies that reduce the level of expressed emotion?

  
  

  • there is less stress with regards to caring for the relative with schizophrenia
  • reduces anger and guilt in family members
  • family members still have time for themselves
  • challenge and change negative beliefs about schizophrenia
• what is a strength?


  Research to support the effectiveness of family therapy was found by Pharoah. She reviewed several studies and concluded that there was a lower rate of relapse within a year amongst those who received family therapy.  
• what is a weakness?

  it does not provide a cure for symptoms
• what is another weakness?

  it requires family members to be willing to engage with therapists. Therefore, it may not be available to all if their family members are not around or simply are not willing to get involved
• how is social desirability a weakness?

  how accurate will the accounts that family members give about the progress their SZ relative is making actually be? Family members may want to relieve themselves of this burden and suggest that the individual with SZ is not doing well. They may really want them to get better and so report that they are even if they're not