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Personality and expressed emotion.
1Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusets 02138, USA. jmh@wjh.harvard.edu
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
|March 31, 2000
Summary
High-expressed emotion (EE) relatives of schizophrenia patients exhibit distinct personality traits. These individuals tend to be less flexible, tolerant, and empathetic compared to low-EE relatives, impacting family dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Expressed emotion (EE) is a known predictor of relapse in schizophrenia and mood disorders.
- The personality traits of relatives exhibiting high or low EE remain largely unexplored.
- Understanding these traits can inform family interventions and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the personality characteristics differentiating high-EE from low-EE relatives of schizophrenia patients.
- To identify specific personality traits associated with high expressed emotion in a familial context.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the California Psychological Inventory (CPI) to assess personality traits.
- Compared personality profiles of 45 relatives of schizophrenia patients categorized as high-EE versus low-EE.
- Employed statistical controls for demographic variables.
Main Results:
- High-EE relatives demonstrated higher conventionality (norm-favoring) and lower self-satisfaction (self-realization) compared to low-EE relatives.
- High-EE relatives exhibited less flexibility, tolerance, empathy, and achievement via independence.
- Flexibility emerged as a significant predictor of EE status, even after controlling for demographics.
Conclusions:
- Specific personality traits are associated with high expressed emotion in relatives of schizophrenia patients.
- Lower flexibility, tolerance, and empathy characterize high-EE relatives.
- Findings suggest potential targets for psychosocial interventions aimed at reducing expressed emotion within families.