evaluations for interactionist approach to schizophrenia

Question 1

evaluations 4 ( extra if you can remember)

Answer 1

• research support for the model
• the old model was oversimplified
• research support for treatment
• it explains individual differences
• the treatment-causation fallacy ( if necessary)

Question 2

research support for the model

Answer 2

Tienari’s study
- investigated combination of genetic vulnerability and parenting styles
-split into 2 groups
- 1 group= 19,000 children with a genetic risk of SCHIZ adopted from Finnish mothers
- 2nd group= children with no genetic vulnerability
- all adopted into family with no SCHIZ
- homes with high EE ( criticism,conflict,low empathy) increased development for SCHIZ for those genetically vulnerable and not for the others
- demonstrates biological (genes) and environmental ( high EE) determinism and the nature nurture debate
STRENGTH
shows how both genetics and stress can cause SCHIZ

Question 3

the old model was oversimplified

Answer 3

• looked at one schizogene and one source of stress(mother) (biological and environmental reductionism)
  -however it was found that actually many genes and many sources of stress can increase the vulnerability for developing SCHIZ
• EX. Houston found that childhood sexual abuse can be the vulnerability as it can change the development of the brain and cannabis can be the trigger
• this shows that causes of the disorder is a lot more complex than once thought
• demonstrates how a holistic view is needed by considering all possible factors
  LIMITATION
  creates a problem for those who use the old model , may not be diagnosing people

Question 4

research support for treatment

Answer 4

Tarriers study
- 315 patients were randomly allocated one of 3 groups
- medication+ CBT, medication + counselling or medication only (control group)
- patients in combined groups showed lower levels than those in control groups
-shows how combined treatment has better rates of recovery
- demonstrates the benefits of a holistic perspective on treatment , improves all possible causes for SCHIZ rather than just one
STRENGTH
economic implications= less time and money wasted on singular treatments

Question 5

explains individual differences

Answer 5

• by looking at both biological and psychological factors it explains individual differences
• EX explains why in some MZ twins only 1 develops SCHIZ and the other one doesn’t
• suggests how even though they have the same genes they can experience interactions differently with family, stressful situations or even in terms of a pre-natal environment ( size, nutrition of plecenta) which can increase their experience of stress
• demonstrates the influence nurture has on us
  STRENGTH
  can identify causes better this way

Question 6

the treatment-causation fallacy ( extra if necessary because others are quite big)

Answer 6

• even though combined treatment is more effective it doesn’t mean the interactionist approach to SCHIZ is correct
• the treatments may not be treating the actual cause
• many could be having wasteful treatment
  -EX. having antipsychotics when the underlying cause may be purely psychological
  LIMITATION
  economic implications= may be wasting time and money on unneeded treatment