Interactionist Approach

Question 1

What is the interactionist approach/biosocial approach about?

Answer 1

Acknowledges that there are biological, psychological and social factors - genes, stress, and family interactions.

Question 2

Define the diathesis-stress model

Answer 2

diathesis = vulnerability
stress = trigger

Question 3

Describe original model by Meehl

Answer 3

he said that the diathesis = schizogene

if not present, no amount of stress would trigger the disorder.

however modern understanding is that there are multiple genes, i.e. it is polygenic

stressor was seen as parenting

Question 4

what can the diathesis also be?

Answer 4

psychological stress/trauma because this can affect the brain

Question 5

describe the link between cannabis and schizophrenia

Answer 5

increases the risk of schizo by up to SEVEN times
interferes with dopamine system
would require a genetic vulnerability first
stress/trigger

Question 6

what would treatment look like?

Answer 6

cbt + antipsychotic medication

Question 7

evaluate using evidence from Tienari (parental hostility)

Answer 7

Tienari et al. (2004) found that high level of criticism and hostility from parents was strongly associated with developing schizophrenia but only in the group with a genetic risk.

Question 8

evaluate using evidence from houston (diathesis/stress causes alternatively)

Answer 8

Houston et al. (2008) found that childhood sexual abuse was often the vulnerability while cannabis use was the trigger.

Question 9

evaluate using evidence from tarrier (efficacy)

Answer 9

Tarrier et al. (2004) had three groups, two with combined treatment and one with just medication. The two combined groups showed lower symptoms, this shows the practical benefits of the interactionist approach.