[Psychophysiologic and psychologic correlates of the emotional family climate in schizophrenic patients and their family].

Within the framework of the vulnerability-stress model of schizophrenia, it is assumed that there is a specific relationship between the factors "expressed emotion" in the family of the patients and "psychophysological activation" of the patients. High expressed emotion would go together with a rise in psychophysiological activation. The aim of this study was to test whether psychophysiological correlates of an emotional family atmosphere could be found in the case of 2 schizophrenic patients in remission and their relatives (parents). The patients and their respective relatives were examined psychophysiologically during a baseline condition (alone), non-verbal interaction, and a discussion of relevant conflict areas. Among other things, three electrodermal parameters were recorded as autonomous measures of activation: SCL, number and amplitudes of nsSCs. The Camberwell Family Interview was used for assignment of EE. In addition, psyhopathological symptoms, reciprocal behavior assessment and agreement in various areas of life with self-assessment scales were recorded for patients and relatives. Despite the effectiveness of the experimental conditions, the EE categories were not reflected in any of the recorded measurements on the psychophysiological level. However, the EE categories were clearly reflected in the psychological parameters. HEE relatives proved to be less in agreement with others within the family, and they tended to be psychopathologically more conspicuous. The mutual behavior assessment for HEE couples was more negative than for LEE couples. The overlapping effects that could be a possible explanation of the psychophysiological findings and the results of the psychological correlates are discussed. Possibilities for improvement and further research strategies are suggested.