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Stressful Life Events and Schizophrenia II: Conceptual and Methodological Issues

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Ross M. G. Norman*
Affiliation:
University of Western Ontario, and Research Co-ordinator, Department of Psychiatry, Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada
Ashok K. Malla
Affiliation:
University of Western Ontario, and Chief, Department of Psychiatry, Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada
*
Department of Psychiatry, Victoria Hospital, South Street Campus, PO Box 5375, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 4G5

Abstract

Research on the relationship between stress and schizophrenia is fraught with conceptual and methodological problems. These problems include issues related to the nature and measurement of stress, the likelihood of reciprocal influences between stress and symptoms, and the adequate assessment of symptoms. Several recommendations are made regarding future research in this area. These include using multiple and broadly based measures of different types of stressors and symptoms, greater use of truly prospective research designs, and the evaluation of the effects of interventions specifically designed to reduce stress in patients who suffer from schizophrenia.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1993 

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