Examined transcripts of 15-minute interactions in schizophrenic and other family triads (n=20) for communication pattern consistency. Families with a child diagnosed as schizophrenic were found to emphasize two communication patterns: (1) communication that is nebulous, confusing, and egocentric; and (2) communication that is disconfirming of individuality. Families of offspring with other psychiatric diagnoses, usually affective disorders, were found to emphasize nonnegotiable relationship-defining communication. (KW)