Caregiver criticism, help‐giving, and the burden of schizophrenia among Mexican American families

Abstract

Positive clinical implications In family treatment, it is important to address caregiver criticism not only because of its relationship to poor clinical outcomes of ill relatives but also because of its relationship to greater caregiver burden. Integrating a balanced rationale for family interventions - to improve ill relatives' and caregivers' outcomes - may promote further engagement of both parties as some caregivers may be additionally motivated to improve their own well-being, and some ill relatives may appreciate more equitably distributing the treatment focus. Limitations The caregiver sample was in general low in criticism; therefore, the findings may not be generalizable to families with a higher degree of criticism. There was a 35% sample attrition at the one-year follow-up.