Interactionist Approach: Explanation & Treatment AO1

Question 1

What does the interactionalist approach acknowledge?

Answer 1

The biological, psychological and social factors in causing Sz

Question 2

What model is used in the interactionalist approach?

Answer 2

Diathesis-Stress Model

Question 3

What does the Diathesis-Stress model state about the development of a condition like Sz?

Answer 3

That both genetic vulnerability and a stress trigger are necessary to develop a condition

Question 4

What is Meehl’s Model of Diathesis-Stress?

Answer 4

Diathesis - the vulnerability is entirely genetic and because of one gene; the ‘Schizogene’
Stress - Schizogene leads to a biologically based schizotypic personality which is characterised by sensitivity to chronic stress

Question 5

What is the modern understanding of Diathesis Stress?

Answer 5

Diathesis - many genes increase the genetic vulnerability to Sz, and other factors like trauma are considered diathesis as trauma can alter brain development

Stress - Anything that risks triggering Sz

Question 6

Provide examples of the modern understanding for Diathesis Stress

Answer 6

Diathesis - HPA System can be overactive, making you vulnerable to stress

Stress - Cannabis increases the risk of Sz up to 7x according to the dose

Question 7

What did Turkington say about the interactionalist approach to treating Sz?

Answer 7

It is possible to believe in biological causes and still use CBT to relieve symptoms but then you’re are taking an interactionalist approach as you are acknowledging the psychological symptoms, showing that Sz is not entirely genetic.

Question 8

Where is the interactionalist approach in understanding Sz more common?

Answer 8

The UK and the USA there is more conflict between the approaches in psychology