This research examined specific communication patterns in 20 schizophrenic and other family triads, through analysis of transcripts of 15-minute interactions within a systems epistemology. Families with a son or daughter diagnosed as having schizophrenia were found to emphasize two communication patterns: communication that is nebulous, confusing, and egocentric, and communication that is disconfirming of individuality. Families of offspring with other psychiatric diagnoses, usually affective disorders, were found to emphasize nonnegotiable relationship-defining communication. (24 references) (Author/JDD)