[Positive role of family in coping with schizophrenic illness]

Research on the influence of family variables on the course of schizophrenia has mainly centered on the concept of expressed emotions. The emphasis of this construct is centering predominantly on potentially destructive aspects of family behaviour. The authors criticize approach as too biased towards the negative. From their clinical practice and a review of the literature, the authors argue for a more positive view of relatives' role in rehabilitation, relapse prevention and coping with schizophrenia.