Emotional expressiveness and the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia

Abstract.

Background: The present research aims to study the association between emotional expressiveness of primary care-givers and quality of life of patients with schizophrenia. Method: 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. Conclusion: 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.