Integrative approaches to Psychopathology

Question 1

Describe what a multi-dimensional model of pychopathology involves

Answer 1

Multi-dimensional models are integrative, involving multidisciplinary perspectives to describe aetiology (causality) and Perpetuating factors

Question 2

How does the Diathesis-Stress Model Work?

Answer 2

Diatheses or genetic predispositions to disorders/ abnormal behaviours, interact with environental factors (e.g. stressors) to lead to the development of psychological disorders.

Question 3

How do diatheses increase the likelihood of psychological disorders developing

Answer 3

Essentially by lowering the “threshold” for development, meaning that stressors may more easily exceed this threshold to cause the development of a disorder.

Question 4

What is the principle of Equifinality?

Answer 4

A disorder that may have multiple causes

Question 5

What is different with the reciprocal gene-environment interaction model compared to the diathesis-stress model?

Answer 5

The reciprocal gene-environment model determines that genetic vulnerabilities to certain traits/ behaviours increases the likelihood of carrying out relevant behaviours, which in turn increase the likelihood of being exposed to relevant stressors, thus increasing the liklihood of developing a relevant or related disorder. Rather than simply having a genetic predisposition to the disorder iself.

Question 6

How is it that environment may override genetic influence?

Answer 6

When someone with a genetic predisposition is exposed to certain environmental efffects, this may impact cells that in turn turn genes on or off. (e.g. Kids with schizophrenia predisposition adopted into functional families with high-quality parenting)

Question 7

What does the idea of genetic predispositions being overidden by environmental factors remind us?

Answer 7

Environemntal factors during critical developmental periods may influence the development of psychological disorders.