Expressed Emotion Definition of the Construct
Negative attitudes of criticism and/or emotional overinvolvement that relatives (parents or spouse) hold toward their psychiatrically ill offspring or spouse. Coded from a 1-hour audiotaped interview with the relative, usually conducted during the patient’s hospitalization.
Critical attitudes: Statements of dislike, annoyance, or resentment with accompanying negative voice tone (6 or more critical statements = high-EE).
Emotionally overinvolved attitudes: Statements indicating extreme overprotectiveness, overconcern, self-sacrifice, or exaggerated emotional responses regarding the patient (ratings of 4 or higher on a 0 - 5 scale = high-EE).