Interactionist Approach - AO1

Question 1

What is the interactionist approach?

Answer 1

A way to explain the development of behaviours in terms of a range of factors including biological, psychological and social
These factors combine in such a way that cannot be predicted due to their complex interactions

Question 2

What is the diathesis stress model?

Answer 2

An interactionist approach in which disorders are explained as the result of an underlying vulnerability (diathesis) and trigger (stress)

Question 3

What is Meehl’s model?

Answer 3

1962
Argued that vulnerabilities were entirely biological; specifically caused by a single “schizogene”
Psychological factors (stress, communcation style) were considered to be the triggers

According to this both must be present for SZ to develop

Question 4

What can occur once psychological and biological factors are recognised?

Answer 4

Both antipsychotics and talk therapies can be used in combination for treatments

Question 5

What is the most common form of combined treatment in the uK and how does it work?

Answer 5

CBT, a psychological intervention and antipsychotics which serve to reduce dopamine levels by blocking receptors in the brain