Family Dynamics Family systems theory describes the development of schizophrenia as it evolvesout of a dysfunctional family system.

Conflict between spouses drives one parent tobecome attached to the child. This overinvestment in the child redirects the focus ofanxiety in the family, and a more stable condition results. A symbiotic relationshipdevelops between parent and child; the child remains totally dependent on theparent into adulthood and is unable to respond to the demands of adult functioning. Interpersonal theory relates that the psychotic person is the product of aparent/child relationship fraught with intense anxiety. The child receives confusingand conflicting messages from the parent and is unable to establish trust. Highlevels of anxiety are maintained, and the childs concept of self is one of ambiguity.A retreat into psychosis offers relief from anxiety and security from intimaterelatedness. Some research indicates that clients who live with families high inexpressed emotion (e.g., hostility, criticism, disappointment, overprotectiveness,and overinvolvement) show more frequent relapses than clients who live withfamilies who are low in expressed emotion. Current research of genetic and biological influences suggests that these familyinteractions are more likely to be contributing factors to rather than the cause of thedisorder.