EXPRESSED EMOTION VS. ATTITUDE TOWARDS PERSONS WITH CHRONIC DISEASE: CONCEPTUALIZING CONCEPTS

Abstract

Abstract. The proposed study aims to conceptualize the Expressed Emotion (EE) construct by its delimitation with the category of attitude through a theoretical review of the literature. EE is a reliable measure of the family setting and familial emotional climate of individuals with mental and physical conditions that examines family members’ critical, hostile and emotionally over-involved attitudes towards a family member with a condition. patterns between family members and individuals with a condition. EE is a valid predictor of poor quality of life and negative clinical outcome in individuals with mental and physical conditions. The results of a theoretical review of the literature led to the conclusion that EE is an important independent construct that determines the attitude of family members to a person with a chronic disease. EE differs from the attitude category because it contains exclusively negative aspects of interaction based on critical thinking, emotional hyperopia, and hostility. The range of EE as a negative attitude not only of family members but also of medical staff towards individuals with diseases is expanding. EE has shown to have a predictive value also for efficient treatment compliance and reducing relapses in different chronic medical and mental conditions. Evidence consistently suggest that EE has been measured in different individuals related to a person with a condition, notably relatives (partners, parents, children, distant relatives) and healthcare staff. It is promising to study the perceived EE as a subjective experience of negative attitudes of relatives towards people with diagnosis.