Content area
Abstract
Past research has demonstrated that individuals with schizophrenia who are exposed to familial environments characterized by high levels of criticism, emotional over-involvement (EOI), or hostility (high EE) are more likely to suffer a future relapse than individuals exposed to familial environments in which the presence of these variables is low (low EE: Butzlaff & Hooley, 1998). The "replicability" of this finding has led EE to become one of the most studied psychosocial construct within the psychiatric literature (Jenkins & Kamo, 1992). However, despite the success of this line of research, several limitations exist with regard to our understanding of EE First, although we know that ill individuals exposed to high EE are more likely to suffer a future relapse relative to individuals exposed to low FF the specific nature of this relationship is unclear. In particular, it is unclear whether the EE-relapse association stems from the toxicity of high levels of criticism, EOI, or hostility or the protectiveness of low levels of these variables. Second, although we know that EE is associated with the course of schizophrenia, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying this relationship is underdeveloped. Finally, although a plethora of studies have examined the relationship between EE and the course of schizophrenia, relatively little attention has been directed toward exploring the etiological precursors of EE as well as whether EE may exert a deleterious effect on caregivers' functioning. In a series of three studies, I attempt to address these three limitations. Ultimately, the continued exploration of the relationship between family factors and the course of schizophrenia may help to inform the development and implementation of effective family treatment programs that address the needs of both ill individuals and their caregivers.
