An Attempt to Integrate the Individual–Psychological and Interactional Concepts of the Origins of Schizophrenia

Abstract

Individual–psychological studies (psychoanalytical) and interactional studies (based on family research and family therapy) approach the psychological processes connected with the origins of schizophrenia from different angles. They thus complement each other. Five major propositions are formulated to integrate the psychodynamic concepts dealing with vulnerability to schizophrenia. The integration of family- and individual-centred starting-points has proved to be very useful in developing treatment methods for schizophrenic patients.