Interactionalist Approach AO3

Question 1

What are the strengths of the interactional approach of schizophrenia?

Answer 1

• it’s supported by studies (for example Tienari’s study)
• it’s supported by the effectiveness of treatments (according to Tarrier et al)

Question 2

Describe Tienari’s on vulnerabilities and triggers of Schizophrenia.

Answer 2

• 19000 children who were genetically vulnerable to schizophrenics were adopted and compared with a control group
• the adopted parents child rearing were observed
• the study found that high critism and conflict influenced Schizophrenia but only in those from the experimental group
• this showd that genetic vulnerability AND familt-related stress causes the developement of Schizophrenia (supports interactionalist approach)

Question 3

What are the weaknesses of interactionist approach to Shcizophrenia?

Answer 3

• the original diathesis stress model made by Meehl could be considered only simplified as it says there is only 1 gene that causes schizophrenia but in more modern finding there are said to be 108 variations of the schizogene
• it suggests that triggers occur shortly before a psychotic episode where as there is evidence to suggest that long term causes can stimulate episodes (for example failure to develope good coping skills in childhood) this shows an inability to determine what triggers episodes (therefore undermining interactionalist approach)

Question 3

Describe Tarrier et al’s study on the interactionalist approach in treatments for Schizophrenia.

Answer 3

• they had 315 patients randomly allocated to different Schizophrenic treatments (CBT and drug, just drug and supportive councelling and the control group who had just drugs)
• those who recieved CBT/councelling and drugs showed lowered symptom levels therefore the interactionist apporach is the best way of treating Schizophrenia