6.6: The importance of the interactionist approach in explaining and treating schizophrenia

Question 1

Louise comes from a family with a history of schizophrenia, as both her grandfather and an aunt have been diagnosed with the disorder. Louise’s father has recently died from cancer and she has just moved out of the family home to start a university course. Although she has always been healthy in the past, she has just begun to experience symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations.

Using your knowledge of schizophrenia, explain why Louise is now showing symptoms of schizophrenia (4 marks)

Answer 1

The diathesis-stress model would argue that Louise is now showing symptoms of schizophrenia, because a genetic vulnerability interacts with stressful life events which trigger schizophrenia.
Her family background indicates a genetic vulnerability and losing a parent and going to university are stressful events