Interactionalist approach to SZ Flashcards
(3 cards)
What is the interactionalist approach
The interactionist approach to schizophrenia suggests that it results from a combination of biological and environmental factors. This is formalised in the diathesis-stress model, which states that individuals with a genetic vulnerability (diathesis), interact with environmental stressors to trigger the disorder.
The original model, by Meehl (1962), proposed that schizophrenia would only develop in those with a genetic vulnerability combined with significant psychological stress, often in childhood. However, modern perspectives take a broader view of both diathesis and stress. Diathesis may include genetic predisposition, early trauma, or neurodevelopmental damage, while stressors may include child abuse or dysfunctional family environments.
This model also has treatment implications. It supports an integrated approach, combining antipsychotic medication to reduce biological symptoms with CBT or family therapy to address psychological and environmental factors.
AO3 strengths
A key strength of the interactionist approach is its strong empirical support. Tienari et al. (2004) studied adopted children of mothers with schizophrenia and found that children with a high genetic risk were significantly more likely to develop schizophrenia — but only when raised in high-conflict, low-support families. This supports the idea that both diathesis and stress are necessary for the disorder to develop.
It also has real-world application. Studies such as Tarrier et al. (2004) found that patients receiving combined therapy (medication + CBT) had better outcomes than those receiving medication alone. This demonstrates that the interactionist model does not just explain schizophrenia but also develops effective treatments, making it highly practical and applicable.
Furthermore, the model avoids reductionism, acknowledging the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors. This reflects a more accurate picture of mental illness and contrasts with overly simplistic explanations like the dopamine hypothesis or psychodynamic models.
AO3 weaknesses
However, the interactionist model is difficult to test scientifically. It can be unclear what counts as a “stress” or how to quantify trauma or vulnerability reliably. This makes it challenging to operationalise variables, which may reduce the model’s falsifiability, a key criteria in scientific theory evaluation.
Additionally, access to combined treatments can be inequitable. While antipsychotics are widely available, CBT requires trained professionals and is often limited by NHS funding and long waiting times. This can limit the real-world effectiveness of the model despite its theoretical superiority.
