Expressed emotion in Greek versus Anglo-Saxon families of individuals with schizophrenia

Abstract

Expressed emotion (EE) is a description of family communication and interaction patterns, relating to criticism, hostility and emotional overinvolvement; and has proven to be a valuable predictor of the course and outcome of schizophrenia. Scores on Friedman and Goldstein's (1993) adjective checklist; the Level of Expressed Emotion Scale; and the Family Assessment Device were compared between Greek (n = 7) versus Anglo-Saxon (n = 9) relatives of individuals with schizophrenia. Greeks were more intrusive and emotionally overinvolved in their relatives' life compared to the Anglo-Saxons. Greek families also showed stronger behaviour control, which may reflect cultural differences in family structure. These findings support the notion that differences in parental styles of communication exist between ethnic groups, with potential to influence outcomes for individuals with psychopathology.