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The perceived family burden scale: measurement and validation
J E Levene1, W J Lancee, M V Seeman
1Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Schizophrenia Research
|November 15, 1996
Summary
This study developed the Perceived Family Burden Scale (PFBS) to measure patient behaviors in schizophrenia and their impact on families. The PFBS proved valid, reliable, and better at predicting relapse than expressed emotion.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Family Studies
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Family interactions are shaped by the burden of coping with a mentally ill relative.
- Understanding patient behaviors and their impact on families is crucial for managing major mental illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Perceived Family Burden Scale (PFBS).
- To assess patient behaviors in schizophrenia and their impact on relatives.
- To compare the PFBS's predictive power for relapse with other measures.
Main Methods:
- Instrument development and validation of the Perceived Family Burden Scale (PFBS).
- Focus on patient behaviors associated with schizophrenia and their effects on family members.
- Comparative analysis with the 'expressed emotion' measure for predictive power.
Main Results:
- The PFBS was confirmed as a valid and reliable measurement tool.
- The PFBS demonstrated significant predictive power for early symptomatic relapse in schizophrenia.
- The PFBS showed greater predictive ability than the 'expressed emotion' measure.
Conclusions:
- The Perceived Family Burden Scale (PFBS) is a robust instrument for assessing family burden in schizophrenia.
- The PFBS can aid in identifying families at risk for patient relapse.
- This scale offers valuable insights into the dynamics of family coping with schizophrenia.