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Empathy, schizophrenia and violence: a systematic review
Maria D Bragado-Jimenez1, Pamela J Taylor
1Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, 1st Floor, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS, UK. bragadojimenezmd@cf.ac.uk
Schizophrenia Research
|August 25, 2012
Summary
Empathy impairments may link schizophrenia and violence, but current evidence is inconclusive. Better controlled studies suggest a potential role, necessitating larger research with rigorous controls for comorbidities.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- A link exists between schizophrenia and violence, with impaired empathy proposed as a potential mediator.
- Empathy deficits are observed in schizophrenia and general population violence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review research on the relationships between schizophrenia, empathy, and violence.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of Medline, Psychinfo, Embase, Cochrane, and DARE databases.
- Searches included terms for schizophrenia, empathy, and violence.
- Independent study selection and data extraction by two reviewers.
Main Results:
- Six studies were identified; heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis.
- Emotional empathy (emotion recognition) deficits were linked to violence in three studies.
- Cognitive empathy impairments were linked to violence in two of three studies; emotional responsiveness showed no association.
Conclusions:
- Evidence for empathy impairment mediating violence in schizophrenia is inconclusive.
- The association appears more relevant in better-controlled studies.
- Larger studies with rigorous comorbidity control are needed.
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