Interactionist approach for SZ Flashcards
What is the interactionist approach for SZ?
-One that combines biological (genetics), psychological(Stress from life events) and social factors(poor quality interactions in the family) in the development of SZ.
What is the diathesis-stress model
-It is when a genetic vulnerability in SZ is only onset after being triggered by stress
What was Meehl’s (1962) original model for the diathesis-model?
-In Meehl’s model he suggested that the diathesis vulnerability was entirely genetic
-He believed in the result of a single “Schziogene” which led to the biologically bases schizotypic personality
-Meehl believed if a person does not have the schizogene no amount of stress would lead to SZ but if the person had the gene, then stress would result in the development of the disorder
What is the modern understanding of the diathesis(vulnerability) for SZ?
-Meehl’s model was wrong as SZ is polygenic so more than one gene
-Psychological trauma can also be seen as the diathesis as stress can cause SZ : Read (2001) suggested a neurodevelopment model in which early trauma can alter aspects of a brain -e.g. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) can become overactive making a person more vulnerable to late stress
What is the modern understanding of stress in relation to SZ?
-Stress is now seen as anything that risks triggering SZ, not just psychological factors
-One stressor is now cannabis use as it can increase risk of SZ by up to 7x depending on dose.
-This may be because cannabis affects the dopamine system.
What is treatment according to the interactionist model?
-Combining anti-psychotic medication with CBT
-In the UK more likely to combine both but US more slow to do so.
What are the strengths for the interactionist approach for SZ?
-Support for vulnerability and triggers: In a large scale study by Tienari with 19,000 finnish people (2004) investigated the impact of both genetic vulnerability and psychological trigger.High genetic risk was compared with control group who were low risk . Adoptive parents assessed for child rearing skills and found that hostiltiy and criticism led to stress and therefore development of SZ,but only in high risk. Supports diathesis-stress model
-Real World application: combining drug treatments and psychological therapies. Studies show comibining treatments helps effectiveness.Tarrier randmly allocated 315 participants to 3 conditions. 1)medication+CBT 2) medication and counselling and 3) medication only and first 2 condition showed lower symptoms
However, Treatment-causation fallacy
What are the limitations for the interactionist approach for SZ
Diathesis and stress are complex: original diathesis-stress model oversimplifies as there is not one schizogene and stress can come in many forms (not just family dysfunction).
