Subjective Satisfaction of with Family Relationships among inpatients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia in Guangzhou, China

Objective: Although caregiver relationships are a recognized feature of recovery for people with schizophrenia, subjective satisfaction with individual family and non-family relationships has not been studied systematically nor have factors associated with greater relationship satisfaction been identified.

Methods: Eighty-four schizophrenic inpatients were assessed using the Family/Social Involvement Scale (FSIS) which identifies patients' satisfaction with their relationship with whom they had contact at least once in the year prior to hospitalization. General psychological distress was assessed using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and health-related quality of life with the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) physical and mental component scales. Mixed model regression analysis was used to identify correlates of satisfaction with relationships.

Results: The patients identified an average of 4.6SD = 2.1) relationships 45% of whom were first degree relatives, 36.3% were second degree relatives, 6.8% were third degree relatives and 18% were non-kin caregivers. Mixed model analysis showed that the total number of family caregivers was significantly related to level of satisfaction across all relationships. Closeness of relationships, overall subjective quality of life, frequency of contact with relationships, and subjective distress were not significantly related to relationship satisfaction.

Conclusions: This is the first study to comprehensively examine subjective satisfaction with social relationships in acutely schizophrenic patients. The fact that the number of relationships was the only independent correlate of overall relationship satisfaction suggests that greater satisfaction with relationships is associated with larger networks and that interventions to expand relationship networks may be warranted.