The
interactionist approach to schizophrenia
Interactionist approach = explain development of behaviour through biological
and psychological factors. considers the combined effects of biological,
psychological and social factors on the development of schizophrenia
Diathesis-stress model: vulnerability (diathesis) originally thought to be
genetic, now includes vulnerabilities due to childhood trauma which might
have affected brain development. stress trigger would be any negative
psychological experience, an interactionist treatment approach would include
combining anti-psychotic medication with psychological therapy
Diathesis stress model: diathesis = vulnerability. The model says both
vulnerability to schiz and a stress-trigger are necessary to develop the disorder.
1 or more underlying factors make a person vulnerable to developing schiz but
the onset of the condition is triggered by stress.
Meehl’s model: original diathesis-stress model. This model states vulnerability
was entirely genetic and the result of a single schizogene. Led to idea of a
biologically based schizotypic personality, one characteristic which is sensitivity
to stress. According to Meehl, if person doesn’t have schizogene then no
amount of stress would lead to schiz. In carriers of the gene, stress throughout
childhood and adolescence could result in development of the disorder.
Modern understanding of diathesis: now clear that many genes appear to
increase genetic vulnerability, there is no single schizogene like ripke
suggested. Also includes range of factors beyond genetic including
psychological trauma where trauma becomes the diathesis rather than
stressor. Read proposed a model in which early trauma alters the developing
interactionist approach to schizophrenia
Interactionist approach = explain development of behaviour through biological
and psychological factors. considers the combined effects of biological,
psychological and social factors on the development of schizophrenia
Diathesis-stress model: vulnerability (diathesis) originally thought to be
genetic, now includes vulnerabilities due to childhood trauma which might
have affected brain development. stress trigger would be any negative
psychological experience, an interactionist treatment approach would include
combining anti-psychotic medication with psychological therapy
Diathesis stress model: diathesis = vulnerability. The model says both
vulnerability to schiz and a stress-trigger are necessary to develop the disorder.
1 or more underlying factors make a person vulnerable to developing schiz but
the onset of the condition is triggered by stress.
Meehl’s model: original diathesis-stress model. This model states vulnerability
was entirely genetic and the result of a single schizogene. Led to idea of a
biologically based schizotypic personality, one characteristic which is sensitivity
to stress. According to Meehl, if person doesn’t have schizogene then no
amount of stress would lead to schiz. In carriers of the gene, stress throughout
childhood and adolescence could result in development of the disorder.
Modern understanding of diathesis: now clear that many genes appear to
increase genetic vulnerability, there is no single schizogene like ripke
suggested. Also includes range of factors beyond genetic including
psychological trauma where trauma becomes the diathesis rather than
stressor. Read proposed a model in which early trauma alters the developing
