From research studies still in progress, the author gives some tentative hypotheses. Although domineering and controlling, the mother seems to have insisted on more control and protection of the schizophrenic child than of the nonschizophrenic sibling; from an early age, the nonschizophrenic child was able to escape complete domination and strive for independence. There is a marked tendency in the schizophrenic to limit his object relations to the parent or parents and thus to assume a submissive and dependent role. This makes it impossible to adapt to adult situations calling for autonomy, decision making, and responsibility. The exclusive interaction with the mother precludes the variety of object relations and identifications that determine flexibility.