Interactionist approach Flashcards
What is the interactionist approach
We should use both biological and pysclogical treatments for Sz, to reflect both biological and psychological aspects
The new and old diathesis stress model
Meehls model- diathesis biological in origin( a single schizogene) develops a schizo personality eventually develops into Sz. Only occurs when diathesis accompanied by a purely psychological stressor( chronic stress- particularly in Prescence of Sz mother)
Modern understanding- origin not just biological also can be psychological such as childhood trauma. Idea of single Sz gene debunked as proof of many candiate genes. Modern definition of stress increased by things like cannabis
Treatments according to interactionist approach
if according to the diathesis stress model biological and psychological cause Sz then treatment should follow them both. This is particulary the case as biological treatments appear to address the distal causes of Sz, wheras pyschological appear to suit the proximal causes of Sz. Likely to be reflected in use of antipyschotc drugs along with CBT, less frequentley used in USA
Limitations of this approach
Meehls diathesis model can be described as over simplified explanation of Sz and a reflection of the outdated understanding of the disorder in twentieth century. For example Ripke et al demonstrated there is over 108 candidate genes no single schizogene. Stress can come in many forms apart from Sz mother like high levels of expressed emotion, childhood trauma, cannabis. Therefore diathesis not exclusively biological and stressor not exclusively psychological. Shows our modern understanding much improved
Strength of interactionist approach
Research support
Tienari et al adoption study
data from 19,000 Finnish Sz mothers compared to control group with no history of Sz
High risk group found to have high levels critism, hostility and low levels of empathy, single diathesis not enough to trigger development of Sz.
Cant generlise only mothers and from finland
