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Specific and Non-specific Effects of Educational Intervention for Families Living with Schizophrenia

A Comparison of Three Methods

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Max Birchwood ,
Jo Smith  and
Ray Cochrane
Max Birchwood
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, All Saints Hospital, Lodge Road, Winson Green, Birmingham B18 5SD and University of Birmingham
Jo Smith*
Affiliation:
Barnsley Hall Hospital, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire
Ray Cochrane
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham
*
∗Correspondence
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Abstract

Three methods of delivering an educational intervention to families living with a schizophrenic relative were compared in terms of their efficacy in improving understanding and promoting family and patient well-being. Relatives receiving education in a group acquired more information than relatives receiving information by post or on video, but these differences were not maintained at six-month follow-up. The inclusion of homework assignments did not significantly affect gains in knowledge or any of the non-specific effects observed. The intervention overall led to considerable gains in knowledge, increased optimism concerning the family's role in treatment, and reductions in relatives' stress, which were maintained at follow-up. Fear was reduced in the short-term. Significant improvements in social function were observed at follow-up. The results suggest that the delivery of information, rather than the mode of delivery, is the crucial element in the intervention; however, the additional contextual factors operating in a group may be important if the full potential of education is to be realised.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 160 , Issue 6 , June 1992 , pp. 806 - 814
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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