social psychological explanations of schizophernia Flashcards
(17 cards)
2 explanations?
- dysfunctional families (sidekick)
- socio-cultural factors (superhero)
social psych believes ?
SZ is a result of social pressures from life
double blind theory?
Bateson believed some symptoms of SZ were the result of communication difficulties. SZ may develop where a child is exposed to conflicting messages
example of double blind theory
if a father asks the child how their day was in school but focusing on their phone and not actively listening. the conflicting messages may suggest lack of interest. confusing the child.
long term exposure of the double blind theory may lead to?
long term exposure to communication contradictions may mean the child learns to perceive the world in terms of contradictory input from their environment they’re unable to process information correctly.
evaluation of dysfunctional families?
cause of effect - one weakness with dysfunctional family explanation such as high EE is that its unclear whether the family environment has cause relapse or if the family communication style has changed as a result of having a family member with SZ, it may be because families have had to adapt their communication style in order to deal with SZ therefore high EE seen in families of relapsed SZ may just be an effect rather than cause of SZ
3 sociocultural factors that may cause SZ?
- urbanicity
- social isolation
- ethnicity
urbanicity link to SZ?
research has shown that you’re more at risk of SZ if you live in a highly population density area.
researchers for urbanicity?
- Vassos et al - completed a meta analysis of studies on urbanicity and SZ and found the risk for SZ was estimated 2.37 times higher than rural areas
- Jim Van Os et al identified factors such as more difficult socioeconomic states and environmental stresses such as pollution, overcrowding, drug abuse may trigger a SZ episode
social isolation link to SZ?
people with SZ tend to report having solitary backgrounds with few friends, because they isolate themselves such individuals cut themselves off from any social feedback regarding behaviour or thoughts therefore any strange or inappropriate behaviour and thoughts aren’t corrected.
social isolation researcher?
Jones conducted a longitudinal study of 5,365 individuals aged between 16-43, 30 were diagnosed with SZ, the researcher found those diagnosed were more likely to show solidarity play preferences when younger and were more likely to rate themselves less socially confident suggesting isolation starts early.
ethnicity link to SZ?
since the 70s statistics have shown that higher than expected numbers of individuals of Afro-Caribeean descent are diagnosed with SZ. however it is not higher in those living in the Caribbean and therefore cannot be because of genes. however it is possible due to stress of migration to a new country and discrimination
researcher for ethnicity?
Harrison suggests discrimination in society are likely explanations for the higher incidence of diagnosis
3 evaluation points for socio cultural factors?
- research support
- social isolation cause or effect?
- nature nurture
research support for socio cultural factors?
urbanicity - vassos et al
social isolation - Van Os et al
ethnicity - Harrison
L - provides support that many symptoms of SZ can be explained through environmental triggers
cause and effect - SCF ?
- studies are often natural experiments or correlations therefore cannot assume cause and effect.
- in terms of urbanicity could be argued it protects people from SZ as theres better access to healthcare, education and employment compared to rural areas
- social drift hypothesis suggests higher levels of SZ in urban areas may be due to SZ causing socioeconomic status meaning they move into more affordable city areas. urban areas are the result of the illness rather than the other way around.
- social isolation may be an early symptom of the illness (negative)
nature V nurture - SCF?
theres good evidence from genetic studies such as research on neurotransmitters and brain abnormalities. however there are evidence from SCF that may be triggering factors in biologically vulnerable individuals. it would be reductionist to ignore the role of nature. therefore we should take an interactionist approach incorporating both approaches.
