The Interactionist Approach A01 Flashcards
What two approaches does this combine?
Biological and Psychological explanations of Sz and says they interact with one another to cause the disorder
What does diathesis mean?
Vulnerability
What does stress mean?
Negative psychological experience in this case
What is the diathesis stress model?
Says that both are necessary in order to develop mental health issues
One or more underlying factors make a person particularly vulnerable to developing Sz but the onset is triggered by stress
Outline Meehl’s original model
Diathesis (vulnerability) is entirely genetic - the result of a single schizogene, which led to a biologically based schizotype personality - extremely sensitive to stress
Meehl argued that someone without this gene should never develop Sz, no matter how much stress
However, in carriers of the gene, chronic stress through childhood + adolescence, particularly in presence of schizophrenogenic mother, could result in development of the disorder - nature + nurture interact
The schizogene is necessary but not sufficient for the development of Sz
How can we critique Meehl’s original idea?
There is no single schizogene
Study by Ripke found 108 associated genes involved in influencing Sz - therefore goes against (limitation)
What is the hypothalamic - pituitary - adrenal (HPA) system?
Research proposed a neurodevelopmental model in which early trauma alters the developmental brain
Early severe trauma for example child abuse, can affect brain and body development. Therefore the HPA can become overactive, making a person much more vulnerable to stress in later life
What is the modern understanding of stress?
Modern stress includes anything that risks triggering Sz (Houston 2008)
Explain why cannabis might act as a stressor (or trigger) for Sz?
Too high levels of dopamine which can increase levels of positive symptoms - cannabis is a stressor
