The potential of aggressiveness in families of schizophrenics in relation to the danger of relapse.

The question of the potential aggressiveness in families of schizophrenics in relation to the danger of relapse was investigated (schizophrenics n = 40, ICD and AMDP selection). The aspect of subjective intrapsychic coping with the aggressive potential in families was operationalized by 12 self-ratings divided into 3 categories: extrapunitive attitude, intrapunitive attitude, experience of divergency. Analysis of variance showed that there was no significant relation between the 3 categories and the relapse quote. The claim following "expressed emotion" research which would have indicated different results was not supported by investigating the patients' subjective experience. Within the framework of our results various rehabilitation strategies and potential shelter functions in the families are discussed.