Psycho explanations of schizo: Family Dysfunction

• Family dysfunction with SCZ

  The family dysfunction explanation says SCZ is due to experiences of family conflict, communication problems, criticism and control. Psychologists have therefore proposed that living in a dysfunctional family can result in the development of SCZ.
• What are the characteristics of a dysfunctional family

  Double-blind communication

  High expressed emotion

  Schizophrenogenetic mother
• What is Double-bind communication?

  Double-bind communication refers to when the schizophrenic patient receives contradictory messages from parents. This could involve a verbal message being given but then the opposite behaviour being displayed. For example, a parent may say something affectionate but then behave in a non-affectionate way or vice versa.
• How does Double-bind communication lead to schizophrenia?

  If a child receives mixed messages and cannot seem to do the right thing, it could result in schizophrenic symptoms such as disorganised thinking and paranoia.
• What is High expressed emotion?

  High expressed emotion refers to when communication within a family is often critical or hostile. This typically reflects parents being overly involved or concerned with the patient or their behaviour.
• How does high expressed emotion lead to schizophrenia?

  If a family shows exaggerated involvement, control and criticism, it could be a serious source of distress for the patient with schizophrenia. High expressed emotion has therefore been linked to an increased likelihood of relapse. Indeed, relapse rates in schizophrenics are found to be doubled when living in a family environment with high expressed emotion.
• What is Schizophrenogenic mother?

  A schizophrenogenic mother is described as cold, controlling and rejecting. Meanwhile, the father in such families is often passive. This can, in turn, create a family climate characterized by tension and secrecy.
• how does Schizophrenogenic mother lead to schizophrenia?

  Secrecy within the family can lead to distrust that later develops into paranoid delusions (the belief that one is being persecuted) – a positive symptom of schizophrenia.
• Evaluating the family dysfunction explanation for schizophrenia

  • is supporting evidence
  • it is difficult to establish cause and effect
  • it fails to take a holistic approach to explaining the development of schizophrenia
  • it is considered socially sensitive