Interactionist approach (explaining and treating sz) Flashcards
Explain the diathesis stress model
Diathesis= predisposition to develop Sz (vulnerability)
Stress= stress can trigger the above predisposition- was seen as pure and related to parenting
The model suggests that Sz develops as a result of vulnerability to Sz but will only fully develop through triggers such as stress
Negative experiences with our environment
What did Meehl (1962) suggest?
Explained the model by stating that only those with a gene for Sz ‘schizogene’ will develop the disorder- without this it would be impossible to develop Sz
Also said that the disorder will only develop in those who carry this genes if they’re exposed to trauma
E.g., SFM could trigger this
What is the modern understanding of ‘diathesis’?
Aware now theres not just one ‘schizogene’
Now includes a range of factors beyond genetics e.g., psychological trauma
This would make trauma the diathesis rather than the stressor
What did Read (2001) introduce regarding modern diathesis
Neurodevelopmental model= early trauma alters brain development
E.g., the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) systems can become overactive making a person more vulnerable to later stress
What is the modern understanding of ‘stress’?
Houston (2008) suggests the stressor now includes anything that risks treating Sz
Mich research shows cannabis as a stressor as it interferes with dopamine
However this is limited as most individuals who smoke cannabis develop Sz, which is presumed that they lack the prerequisite vulberability factors
Compare the new and original ‘diathesis’ beliefs
Original: purely genetic (schizogene)
New: trauma is what makes us vulnerable aswell
Compare the new and original beliefs about ‘stress’
Original: life event e.g., schizophrenogenic mother
New: anything external such as cannabis (alter dopamine levels)
How do interactionists think Sz can be treated biologically?
Using antipsychotic medications to deal with the dopamine imbalances
How do interactionist think Sz can be treated psychologically?
CBT= alleviate stressors though things like belief modification
Family therapy= encourage effective forms of communication
Whats the holistic approach?
A strength of the model
Many other explanations are reductionist e.g., genetics (bio red.)
As a result antipsychs are reductionist by focusing on treating one aspect of the disorder
Interactionist looks at the approach as a ‘whole’
Strength as the approach considers how all factors combine to cause the disorder (and the best way to treat it)
What research supports the interactionist approach?
evidence supporting both the role of vulnerability and triggers
Tienari (2003) used 19,000 Finnish children to investigate the impact of both genetic vulnerability and psych triggers
children had mothers who had been diagnosed with Sz
high levels of EE were strongly associated with Sz development but only in the genetic risk group
Shows the combination of genes and family stress can lead to an increased risk of Sz
What’s a limitation of Meehl’s diathesis stress model?
too simplisitc
‘schizogene’ seems unlikely as there are known to be many candidate genes
evidence to show that childhood trauma may affect neurological development
Houston (2008) shows childhood SA was a major factor as a vulnerability for Sz and cannabis
limits the original model as it may be too reductionist
Why is the approach being interactionist a strength?
shows how combining treatments enhances their effectiveness e.g., CBT and drug therapies
Tarrier (2004) randomly allocated 315 pps to (1) medication + CBT, (2) medication + counselling (3) medication only (control)
those in groups 1+2 showed lesser symptoms
strength as it shows the real-world application, strengthening it’s external validity
Why is there a lack of real world application?
application is not logical
it’s like saying alcohol reduces shyness so shyness is caused by a lack of alcohol
the error is caused treatment-causation fallacy
we can’t assume that the success of combined therapies means interactionist explanation is correct
limitation as it questions the approaches evidence on success
