This study compared the expressed emotion (EE) scores obtained using individual interviews
with parents with the scores obtained in whole family interviews. Interviews were carried out
with 31 parents of 16 adolescents referred because of an eating disorder. There was moderate
correlation of scores between the two interviews regarding critical comments, emotional
overinvolvement, and warmth, but it was low for positive remarks. The study suggests that
the whole family interview, which is time saving, is useful in assessing expressed emotion. The
levels of expressed emotion, particularly the relatively low levels of critical comments and
emotional overinvolvement, are similar to those of previous studies.