Expressed Emotion in Families: A Critical Review

Research on expressed emotion in the families of schizophrenic patients has seemed to offer a new perspective on environmental factors that cause relapse in schizophrenia. A review of the literature, however, reveals that while expressed emotion may predict relapse, there is no evidence that it causes relapse. Nor does the evidence support the continued linkage of the three components of expressed emotion--criticism, hostility, and emotional overinvolvement--in a single global variable. The authors also question the clinical significance of expressed emotion ratings and believe that treatment strategies based on them tend to blame relatives for the patient's continuing difficulties. They suggest that clinicians assess family responses in the context of the patient's behavior and life situation before helping families develop more effectual coping strategies.