Psychological explanations for schizophrenia: family dysfunction and cognitive explanations, including dysfunctional thought processing
Some psychologists explain schizophrenia through family relationships and faulty thinking patterns. Toxic communication in families and distorted thought processes may trigger or worsen the disorder.
Real World
In Rosenhan's 'On Being Sane in Insane Places', staff interpreted normal behaviour as symptoms of disorder, illustrating how once a label is applied, cognitive biases in observers — and potentially in patients — can distort perception in line with psychological explanations.
Exam Focus
Distinguish double bind from expressed emotion clearly; confusing the two in a 'describe' question will cost marks.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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