Expressed emotion: a review of assessment instruments

Clin Psychol Rev. 2002 Apr;22(3):323-43. doi: 10.1016/s0272-7358(01)00098-8.

Abstract

Expressed emotion (EE) refers to the quality of the emotional climate between a relative and a family member with a serious psychiatric disorder. Well-established, it has proven to be a reliable predictor of the relapse rate of psychiatric patients. In this article, the Camberwell Family Interview (CFI), the standard instrument, and 11 alternative EE measures will be presented and discussed with regard to their psychometric properties. It is concluded that the CFI remains the best instrument for assessing the quality of the relationship.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Expressed Emotion* / physiology
  • Family Relations*
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological / methods*
  • Interview, Psychological / standards
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Psychometrics / methods
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self Disclosure
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*