The Family and Schizophrenia: Toward a Psychoeducational Approach

Abstract

Families of schizophrenics traditionally have been viewed as causative agents in the development of the mental disorder. This article traces the prevailing conceptions of families with schizophrenic members and the various roles families have been perceived to play, both in terms of etiology and treatment. Current perceptions of the role of families with schizophrenic members are reviewed together with the research evidence. The paradigmatic shift from perceiving family interaction as a causative agent of schizophrenia to perceiving families as partners in the treatment process is emphasized.