Comparative Life History Differences of Families of Schizophrenics, Delinquents, and "Normals"
JAMES R. STABENAU M.D.1, and
WILLIAM POLLIN M.D.2
1 Research Psychiatrist, Section on twin and sibling studies, Adult Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Md. 20014
2 Chief, Section on twin and sibling studies, Adult Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Md. 20014
In this series of families the development of severe psychopathology (schizophrenia or delinquency) in the index child appeared to be linked with intense periods of family crisis occurring early in the child's life. A more conflictual parent-child relationship seemed to develop for that child as compared with a control sibling of the same sex, and more of the negative repudiated features of the parents' personalities were projected on him. The type of psychopathology that developed in the index child is thought to be connected with the style in which family members relate to one another.
