Interactionist Approach Flashcards
Outline original interactionist model of SZ
Meehl
- suggested Diathesis vulnerability to be entirely genetic, as a result of a schizogene
- leads to biologically based schizotypic personality
- suggested if people didn’t have gene, no amount of stress would lead to SZ
Describe modern understanding of Diathesis stress model in SZ
- SZ found to be polygenic so no one schizogene causes SZ
- modern views also suggest a range of factors beyond genetic, e.g. trauma which can alter brain developing if severe and early enough and acts as diathesis rather than the stressor e.g. cannabis which increases risk of SZ x7
How does an interactionist approach treat SZ?
Acknowledges both bio & psych factors so combines antipsychotic medication with psychological therapies (mostly CBT)
Give strengths of the interactionist approach
Research support –> Tienari investigated impact of both genetic vulnerability+ psychological trigger (family dysfunction)
- 19000 Finnish children w SZ biological mothers in Longitudinal adoption study
- compared to control group of adoptees w/o family history of SZ
- adoptive parents assessed for parenting style; found high levels of criticism, hostility + low empathy strongly associated with SZ development only in high genetic risk group
Practical application
Tarrier found medication + CBT and medication + therapy were significantly more effective in lowering symptoms of SZ compared to medication alone
- allows a real world application in producing most effective treatment
Give weaknesses of interactionist approach to SZ
Treatment fallacy
- Just because combined biological + psychological treatments are more effective does not mean interactionist explanation is correct; reasoning error
