Author:
Barrowclough Christine,Parle Michael
Abstract
BackgroundIt is argued that coping theory may be useful in attempting to understand how relatives adapt to the demands of living with a schizophrenia sufferer.MethodIn a prospective study, univariate and multivariate relationships were explored between appraisal variables (appraisal of symptom threat (primary appraisal) and perceived symptom control (secondary appraisal)) and (a) expressed emotion, and (b) psychological distress in relatives of schizophrenic patients. The profile of relatives who showed sustained distress over time was also examined.ResultsThe appraisal variables were found to be related to both the concurrent distress (GHQ scores), EE ratings of relatives at the time of the patients relapse and hospitalisation, as well as the subsequent GHQ scores of relatives when the patient was discharged back home. Relatives who showed sustained distress were likely to show high EE and have a longer caring history.ConclusionsThe study gives some support to the theory that appraisal processes underlie how relatives react to having a family member with schizophrenia, and may have implications both for identifying those at risk of poor adaptation, and for understanding strategies that improve well-being.
Publisher
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health
Cited by
116 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献