J Nurs Acad Soc.  1987 Dec;17(3):177-183.

Effects of a Family Approach Using Reinforcement of Functional Communication In Families With a Schizophrenic Patient

• Choi YJ

Abstract

This study investigated and evaluated a method to effectively promote a communication function in families with a schizophrenic patient and the patients' interaction, by a family approach using reinforcement of functional communication between patients and their parents. The subjects of the study were patients receiving treatment in Won Gwang University Mental Hospital from July 1985 to July 1986, and their families. In the experimental group, a family approach using reinforcement of functional communication twice a week was taught. Each of the six sessions took sixty minute*, during which the interviews and questionaires were carried out. The total number of patients receiving treatment in the hospital at that time, 42, were divided by a systematic method into 20families in an experimental group and 22 in a control group. The results from testing the hypotheses established in this study, to analyze the effects of family approach through reinforcement of functional communication, are as follows; The results of the test of the first hypothesis are shown in Table 1. "patients and their parents in an experimental group receiving group training in reinforcement of functional communication will show a greater degree of interaction than those of the control group" was supported. Significant differences included Main Effects p<. 001, Interactions p<. 001 and Explained p <. 001 in the interactions of patients, and mothers. Scores were higher for the experimental group after the treatment as well as higher than the control group.

MeSH Terms

Hospitals, Psychiatric
Humans
Mothers
Parents