Emotional expressiveness and the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
The present research aims to study the association between emotional expressiveness of primary care-givers and quality of life of patients with schizophrenia.


METHODS
The data for the present study were collected from 174 purposively selected patients with schizophrenia and their primary care-givers. The Quality of Life Interview (QOLI) (Lehman 1988) was used to collect information related to the quality of life of patients. The care-givers' emotional expressiveness was assessed using three questions on home environment from Disability Assessment Schedule (WHO/DAS) (WHO 1988).


RESULTS
Three components of emotional expressiveness were included in the present research, namely, emotional involvement, control and attitude of rejection. Among these three components, emotional involvement of key care-givers was found to have a significant association with quality of life of schizophrenia patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on this result, the present study argues that emotional involvement of key care-givers needs careful attention while planning psychosocial rehabilitation programmes aimed at enhancing the quality of life of schizophrenia patients.
Mubarak
A R
AR
School of Social Administration and Social Work, The Flinders University of South Australia, GPO Box 2100, Bedford Park, Adelaide SA 5001, South Australia. mubarak@flinders.edu.au
Barber
J G
JG
D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D019260:Expressed Emotion; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology