interactionist approach

Question 1

what is the interactionist approach

Answer 1

acknowledges that there are biological and psychological factors

Question 2

interactionist approach in schizophrenia

Answer 2

biological - genetic vulnerability, neurochemical and neurological abnormality
psychological - stress from life events and daily hassle, poor quality interactions in the family

Question 3

diathesis stress model

Answer 3

says a vulnerability and stress trigger are necessary to develop SZ

Question 4

Meehl’s model

Answer 4

og model says diathesis (vulnerability) was purely biological, result of the schizogene
- if they didn’t have this no amount of stress lead to SZ
- for carriers of the gene, chronic stress in life esp bc of SZC mother could lead to development of SZ

Question 5

modern understanding of diathesis (vulnerability)

Answer 5

now clear that many genes are involved in genetic vulnerability (Ripke)
- also include other factors like psychological trauma
- early trauma alters the developing brain
> HPA system can become over-active, making person vulnerable to stress later

Question 6

modern understanding of stress

Answer 6

og model saw stress as psychological in nature, particularly related to parenting
- modern = anything that risks triggering it
> cannabis use, increases risk up to 7x, probs bc it interferes w dopamine system
- but most don’t so must be vulnerability factor too

Question 7

treatment according to the interactionist approach

Answer 7

combination of biological and psychological
- antipsychotics and CBT particularly
- Turkington points out that its possible to believe in biological cause and use CBT
- but requires adopting interactionist model
- standard in UK to use both, not in USA

Question 8

supporting evaluation for model

Answer 8

Research such as Tienari (2004) lends strong support to the model as it highlights the interplay between biological and psycho-social factors in the development of SZ
- means the model has good validity

Question 9

limiting evaluation for model

Answer 9

1. model has been criticised for not acknowledging the role of other biological factors, only a partial explanation
   - role of neurotransmitters (dopamine hypothesis) in the development of SZ
2. some vagueness over exactly how biological, psychological and social factors interact according to the model
   - means that it lacks objectivity (eg. it is not scientific or reliable)

Question 10

supporting evaluation for interactionist therapies

Answer 10

1. Tarrier et al found 315 patients prescribed drug therapy and CBT showed reduced symptoms compared to patients who were prescribed drugs only
   - strong supporting evidence, gives the interactionist approach good validity
2. using interactionist approach may prove to be cost-effective, if it is more successful, patient improves quicker and less likely to relapse, saves money on health services and gets patient back into work quicker

Question 11

limiting evaluation for interactionist therapies

Answer 11

may not suit all patients
- some may have difficulty understanding/ interpreting side-effects of their drugs which is worsened w CBT’s emphasis on challenging dysfunctional thoughts
- effects of the drug may be exacerbated by the process of CBT