Expressed emotion and nursing the schizophrenic patient

Area of Science:

• Psychiatric nursing research
• Schizophrenia studies
• Family dynamics in mental health

Background:

• Family studies on schizophrenia readmission introduced the concept of 'expressed emotion' to explain varying readmission rates.
• Previous research indicates psychiatric nurses' behaviors may mirror those of families with lower patient readmission rates.
• The concept of 'expressed emotion' has implications across psychiatric nursing domains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between psychiatric nurses' 'expressed emotion' and the hospitalization course and outcomes of schizophrenic patients.
• To extend the application of 'expressed emotion' findings from family studies to psychiatric nursing practice and research.
• To propose a research strategy for investigating nurses' 'expressed emotion' in schizophrenia care.

Main Methods:

• The study synthesizes findings from family studies on expressed emotion.
• It correlates these findings with existing research on psychiatric nurses' attitudes and behaviors.
• A proposed research strategy is outlined for future investigation.

Main Results:

• The concept of 'expressed emotion' is relevant to psychiatric nursing research, influencing patient outcomes.
• Psychiatric nurses' behaviors may correlate with 'expressed emotion' levels, impacting schizophrenia readmission.
• Existing research suggests a link between nursing environment and patient recovery.

Conclusions:

• Further research into psychiatric nurses' 'expressed emotion' is warranted.
• Understanding nurses' 'expressed emotion' can inform strategies to improve schizophrenia patient outcomes.
• The study highlights the importance of the therapeutic environment in psychiatric care.