Social causation hypothesis

Question 1

What did Tiwari et al look into?

Answer 1

Range of factors, environmental factors, that could relate to schizophrenia

Question 2

What environmental factors did Tiwari look into?

Answer 2

Growing up in urban environment, cannabis use, male gender, stress, malnutrition - all increase risk of scz

Mother’s behaviour + environment during pregnancy also increases risk, such as maternal infection + drug misuse during pregnancy

Question 3

What does the social causation hypothesis suggest?

Answer 3

If someone is in a lower class position within society then the stress associated with this position is higher

Social factors that lead to higher stress could be an explanation for schizophrenia

Cooper et all suggests that in single men, the rate of schizophrenia in unskilled labourers was 4.1 times higher than higher managerial

Question 4

What social factors could lead to stress which may cause schizophrenia?

Answer 4

• Social adversity = Social pressures/challenging environments that impact individuals/communities
• Social isolation
• Unemployment + poverty
• Living in inner-city areas with poor housing + overcrowding, with high levels of drug use
• Separation from parents as a child

Question 5

What has research and the UK census shown about black populations and schizophrenia?

Answer 5

Census has consistently shown a higher incidence of schizophrenia in black populations

Research shows black individuals are 7 times more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia compared to white people

Question 6

What are the factors leading to more schizophrenia diagnoses in black populations?

Answer 6

• Systematic racism = Chronic exposure to racism creates persistent psychological stress which may increase likelihood of schizophrenia + can lead to feelings of helplessness + paranoia
• Clinical misunderstanding of cultural differences = Clinicians may misinterpret culturally specific behaviours for symptoms of schizophrenia. Can result in over diagnosis or misdiagnosis of schizophrenia amongst black people

Question 7

What factors in dysfunctional families may increase the likelihood of schizophrenia due to stressful atmospheres?

Answer 7

• High expressed emotion
• Poor communication
• Unresolved conflicts

Question 8

Explain how high expressed emotion leads to increased likelihood of schizophrenia?

Answer 8

Family who display hostility, frequent criticism, + emotional over-involvement can increase stress in individuals

Studies shown that people living in high expressed emotion environments are more likely to relapse into scz after treatment

Question 9

Explain how poor communication leads to increased likelihood of schizophrenia?

Answer 9

Dysfunctional families may communicate in uncleal, contradictory, or emotionally charged ways, leading to confusion + distress in kids

Double bind theory (Bateson) suggests kids exposed to conflicting messages may develop coping mechanisms contributing to scz

Question 10

Explain how unresolved conflicts leads to increased likelihood of schizophrenia?

Answer 10

In families where issues aren’t resolved, persistent emotional tension can elevate stress levels

May contribute to development of scz in vulnerable individuals