family dysfunction

• Family dysfunction

  Schizophrenogenic mother Double bind theory Expressed emotion
• Schizophrenogenic mother (schizophrenia-causing) is cold, rejecting and controlling and creates a family climate of tension and secrecy. Leads to distrust which causes paranoid delusions and SZ.
• double- bind theory, Child gets mixed messages and feels like they can not do the right thing. E.g. Being told to be more independent but being overprotected. Leads to confusion which causes paranoid delusions and SZ.
• expressed emotion, High levels of emotion directed towards the child e.g. criticism, hostility and overinvolvement. Primarily an explanation for relapse in people with SZ.
• strength

  Read et al (2005) – reviewed 46 studies of child abuse and SZ and found 69% of women and 59% of men with SZ had a history of abuse. Research support that family dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of SZ.
• weakness Although there is evidence to support the idea that childhood family-based stress is linked with SZ, there is almost no evidence to support the traditional theories e.g. Schizophrenogenic mother or double bind. Family explanations have not been able to account for the link between childhood trauma and SZ,
• weakness

  Research linking family dysfunction to SZ is highly socially sensitive as it can lead to parent blaming (particularly with mothers). This could produce more harm than good and highlights the question of whether psychologists should continue with this line of research.