Family structure and conditions of hospitalization for schizophrenia.

This paper raises the question of what social supports might permit the retention of schizophrenic patients in the community. Various types of family structure are examined in relation to the estimated duration of symptoms prior to hospitalization. It was found that the availability of sisters falling within certain ranges of age closeness to the patient is associated with relatively long durations for patients of both sexes. The availability of unemployed mothers and older children also lengthens the duration for female patients. The findings are discussed in the context of social system theory.