Searles believes there has been too much emphasis on mutual hostility in the relation of the schizophrenic patient and his mother. Study of the patient, the patient's mother, and the transference leads the author to conclude that the schizophrenic illness may be seen as 'the child's loving sacrifice of its very individuality for the welfare of the mother who is loved genuinely and with wholehearted adoration'. However, these feelings are not expressed or denied. The mother fears expression of her loving feelings as does the child, who either denies or expresses love in unconventional ways.