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Expressed emotion: conceptual, clinical, and social policy issues
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33101.
Hospital & Community Psychiatry
|June 1, 1992
Summary
High expressed emotion (EE) in families is linked to schizophrenia relapse. However, most families show low EE, characterized by empathy and respect, challenging earlier theories. Further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- High expressed emotion (EE) in families is associated with schizophrenia relapse.
- EE involves criticism, hostility, or emotional overinvolvement from family members.
- International studies indicate most families exhibit low EE, characterized by empathy and respect.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically examine the construct of expressed emotion (EE) in schizophrenia research.
- To review the validity, stability, and cultural variations of EE.
- To explore the implications of EE for social policy and clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on expressed emotion and schizophrenia.
- Analysis of the relationship between family EE levels and patient symptoms.
- Examination of cross-cultural differences in EE.
Main Results:
- The majority of families of individuals with schizophrenia demonstrate low EE.
- Significant cultural variations exist in EE levels.
- EE researchers generally reject the concept of family schizophrenogenesis.
Conclusions:
- The construct of expressed emotion requires further validation and stability assessment.
- Cultural context is crucial when evaluating EE.
- Research into EE analogues in clinical and rehabilitative settings is recommended.