Relatives' emotional warmth towards patients with schizophrenia or related psychoses: demographic and clinical predictors

Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1998 Jan;97(1):86-92. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1998.tb09968.x.

Abstract

Despite the importance of relatives' emotional warmth for outcome in schizophrenia, no studies to date have addressed demographic and clinical predictors of warmth. We examined a Norwegian sample of 47 recently hospitalized patients (with schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder) and 72 key relatives. Relatives' emotional warmth was assessed by means of the Camberwell Family Interview. Regression analyses showed that no substance abuse (especially amphetamines), better premorbid adjustment (12-15 years), a chronic social security status, and the relative not being a parent were the strongest predictors of emotional warmth. Emotional warmth was not related to patients' symptoms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Expressed Emotion*
  • Family Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Readmission
  • Personality Assessment
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology*
  • Psychotic Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation, Vocational / psychology
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis*
  • Schizophrenia / rehabilitation
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Social Adjustment
  • Social Security
  • Social Support*