Social Psychiatry, Vol. 54 No. 1, 2026.
Professional paper
https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.67
Importance of Triadic Communication Between Professionals, Patients, and Families as a Key Factor in Promoting Recovery in Individuals With Psychosis
Slađana Štrkalj Ivezić
; University Department of Psychiatry Vrapče, Zagreb, Croatia; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Andrea Jambrošić Sakoman
; University Department of Psychiatry Vrapče, Zagreb, Croatia
Dina Bošnjak Kuharić
; University Department of Psychiatry Vrapče, Zagreb, Croatia
Jan-Eerik Leppänen
; FinFami rv, Helsinki, Finland
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Effective communication among professionals, individuals with psychosis, and family members is associated with better treatment outcomes. This paper reviews narrative, systematic, and meta-analytic literature on dyadic and triadic communication, family interventions, and shared decision-making (SDM) in the treatment of psychosis and synthesises this evidence into clinically applicable recommendations for improving communication. A literature search of major databases was conducted, and the key findings were synthesised using a qualitative approach. The results confirm that the quality of the therapist–patient relationship, family involvement, and SDM are associated with improved clinical outcomes, reduced relapse and rehospitalisation, enhanced collaboration in treatment, and improved well-being of family members. Based on this synthesis, recommendations were developed and presented in tabular form, addressing the core elements of a high-quality therapeutic relationship, the prevention and repair of alliance ruptures, professionaland family-level communication barriers, patient–family relationship difficulties, and barriers to implementing SDM. The recommendations are conceptually aligned with the CHIME model of personal recovery. This paper concludes that
systematic investment in high-quality dyadic and triadic communication is essential for supporting recovery in individuals
with psychosis and preventing family burden and burnout.
Keywords
Psychosis; Triadic Communication; Family Interventions; Recovery; Shared Decision-Making
Hrčak ID:
350310
URI
Publication date:
27.3.2026.
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