Parenting in mothers with schizophrenia and its relation to facial emotion recognition deficits- a case control study

Abstract

Background: Difficulties in parenting and Facial Emotion Recognition deficits (FERD) in persons with schizophrenia have been demonstrated independently. However, the relationship between parenting deficits and FERD in mothers with schizophrenia is yet to be explored.

Aims and objectives: The aims of the study were to assess parenting in mothers with schizophrenia, to examine the clinical correlates of parenting and to examine if facial emotion recognition deficits had an association with parenting.

Methods: Fifty mothers with schizophrenia and 50 age matched healthy mothers were assessed for parenting and FERD. Parenting was assessed using Arnold's parenting scale and Parent Interview Schedule. Kiddie TRENDS, a modified Tool for Recognition of Emotions in Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TRENDS) was administered to assess facial emotion recognition.

Results: Among mothers with schizophrenia, FERD were noted in emotions of sadness, disgust, anger and surprise. Laxness in parenting was associated with negative symptoms of schizophrenia and also facial emotion recognition deficits.

Conclusion: Parenting difficulties are commonly noticed in mothers with schizophrenia. Laxness style of parenting was found more often in mothers with schizophrenia, especially in mothers with blunt affect. Mothers with schizophrenia had difficulties in recognizing emotions of sadness, anger, disgust and surprise and this was associated with laxness style of parenting.

Keywords: FERD; Mothers; Parenting; Schizophrenia.