RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: The presented study examines to which extent the quality of life and experiences of relatives giving care to patients with psychotic disorders are being influenced by patient- or relative-dependent factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The quality of life and experiences of care-giving of 33 relatives of patients with a schizophrenic spectrum disorder were assessed. Applying a multiple regression model, they were correlated to the relatives' internal locus of control as well as to data referring to the patients' disease. RESULTS: 47 % of the variance of the relatives' quality of life could be explained by their locus of control, their social support, and their level of psychosocial functioning. In contrast, data determined by the patients' disease only accounted for 9 % of the variance. DISCUSSION: In order to specifically encourage strengths on the part of the relatives and therefore improve their quality of life and their experiences of caregiving, their locus of control, social support and psychosocial functioning should be taken into consideration in concepts for the treatment of patients with psychosis.