The measurement of expressed emotion: Its influence on research and clinical practice

Abstract

The measure of expressed emotion in carers has been extremely productive. In schizophrenia it is a robust predictor of outcome and has fuelled a series of intervention studies. It is also found in a range of other conditions and across cultures. It is argued that it does have theoretical aspects and increases our understanding of the role of social factors in the vulnerability strss model of schizophrenia. Despite attaracting some criticism itself, it cannot be denied that it has enabled complex social interactions in families to be quantified and allowed new interventions to be evaluated. This empiricism has clarified many of the issues faced by those living with schizophrenia. EE remains an extremely useful way of describing aspects of social relationships, and is an example of the ability of measurement to inform both new research and clinical practice.