Expressed emotions and schizophrenia in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

To investigate the differences in expressed emotion among families of patients with Schizophrenia and develop an instrument for expressed emotion. A sample of 35 families was selected by using non-probability sampling technique. It was hypothesized that there would be significant difference in expressed emotion among families of patients with schizophrenia and families of normal subjects. A questionnaire based on Likert Scale technique was used to measure expressed emotion of the families. Those members were selected who have spent at least 35 hours with the patient. Independent t-test was performed to see the difference in their expressed emotion on criticism, hostility, positive remarks, warmth and emotional overinvolvement. Descriptive statistics was used to find out the relationship between demographic variables. The research finding showed a significant difference in expressed emotion between parents of schizophrenics and parents of normal subjects. This is the first study on expressed emotions in Pakistani perspective and provides guidelines for future management in schizophrenia