Perception of family emotional climate by family members of persons with schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: There is a dearth of instruments to assess schizophrenia persons’ Family Emotional Climate (FEC). Aim: This study aims to explore the relation between family members’ personality traits and FEC. Methods: We invited a convenience sample of 50 both gender family members who were accompanying the person with schizophrenia for out-patient department (OPD) consultation to provide data on a socio-demographic proforma and the researcher prepared ‘ Emotional climate assessment questionnaire – caregivers’ version’ (ECAQ-C) as well as the Eysenck personality questionnaire. Results: Caregivers’ extroversion traits ( r = .427, p = .002) were positively correlated and neuroticism traits were negatively correlated ( r = −.330, p = .019) with their positive perception of FEC. There was a higher perception of positive FEC (mean scores = 65.5 ± 10.5) while caregivers seemed to perceive less negative FEC (mean scores = 36.5 ± 10.2). Caregivers with education above 11th std perceived less (χ2 = 8.6, p = .013) of negative FEC. Conclusion: The findings highlight that caregivers’ personality traits seem to influence the FEC. While caregivers’ perception of FEC is positive in this study, those in the higher education group seem to have a better perception of FEC indicating that education also may influence FEC.