An attributional analysis of expressed emotion in Mexican-American families with schizophrenia.

In this study we tested an attributional model of expressed emotion (EE) among Mexican-American families. A sample of 46 key family members of schizophrenic patients was measured on 3 dimensions: affect toward patient, controllability attributions, and level of EE. Consistent with an attributional model, it was found that high EE families (defined on the basis of critical comments) viewed the illness and associated symptoms as residing within the patient's personal control, more so than did low EE families. Also, attributions held by family members were to be related to their affective reactions. Specifically, family members who perceived the patient as having control over the symptoms of schizophrenia tended to express greater negative emotions such as anger and annoyance toward the patient than did family members who viewed the symptoms as beyond the patient's personal control. An examination of the types of affects found and their relationship to EE status is discussed, along with implications for this research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)