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Expressed emotion, attributions, and schizophrenia symptom dimensions
A G Weisman1, K H Nuechterlein, M J Goldstein
1Psychology Department, University of Massachusetts at Boston 02125-3393, USA. weisman@umbsky.cc.umb.edu
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
|May 30, 1998
Summary
Family members critical of schizophrenic patients attribute symptoms to personal control. Behavioral deficits, like poor hygiene, are criticized more than behavioral excesses, such as hallucinations, in this study of expressed emotion (EE).
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Expressed emotion (EE) in families impacts patient outcomes.
- Attribution theory explains how individuals interpret causes of behavior.
- Understanding family attributions for schizophrenia symptoms is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate and provide cross-cultural support for the attribution-affect model of EE.
- To investigate how attributions for schizophrenia symptoms relate to family criticism.
- To explore the types of symptoms family members criticize.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 40 Anglo-American family members of schizophrenic patients was studied.
- A content analysis was used to classify criticized behaviors and symptoms.
- Expressed emotion (EE) levels were assessed in relatives.
Main Results:
- Highly critical relatives (high-EE) attributed symptoms more to personal control than low-EE relatives.
- Behavioral deficits (e.g., poor hygiene) were criticized more frequently than behavioral excesses (e.g., hallucinations).
- Attributional differences align with the attribution-affect model of EE.
Conclusions:
- Family members' attributions for schizophrenia symptoms influence their expressed emotion.
- Perceived personal control over deficits may increase criticism.
- Findings support the attribution-affect model in a cross-cultural context.