Interactionist Approach Sz

Question 1

Explain the interactionist approach sz
MEEHLS

Answer 1

Nature or nurture alone cannot explain/ treat sz effectively
Diathesis + stress model provides framework to understand sz - both nature AND nurture share responsibility for dev of sz
diathesis = inherit a predisposition to dev sz
COMBINED with stress from env = trigger vulnerability that leads to development of sz

MEEHLS - Diathesis was entirely genetic, result of a single schizogene = development of biologically based schizotype personality (sensitivity to stress). Person doesn’t have schizogene = no stress would lead to sz BUT carries of gene - if experience chronic stress through childhood + adolescence (sz mother) = dev of sz

Question 2

Key factors consider in Diathesis + stress model sz

Answer 2

Uncontrollable stressors
(external sources out of person’s control) bugger triggers of bio vuln than controllable - early family factors/ geographical location when young.

Additive nature of Diathesis and stress
Factors COMBINE = sz
Minor factors lead to dev of sz (those with high bio vuln)
Major, chronic,stressful factors lead to dev of sz (with low bio vuln)

Question 3

Explain interactionist approach as a treatment for sz
STARTUP

Answer 3

Use a combination therapy - drugs and psychological (CBT)
Drug therapy tackling biological correlates of condition
‘Psychotherapeutic’ tackles wider aspects
= patients given APs to reduce symptoms = engage fully with CBT demands
Combined approach = greater benefits (reduced chances of relapse)

STARTUP - 90 patients admitted to hospital with acute episode, 43 given standard care, 47 given standard care and up to 25 90min sessions of CBT
60% of CBT group = reliable and clinical improvement, less P+ N symptoms - where’s 40 control group

Question 4

Ev pos interactionist sz

Answer 4

Support for both nature and nurture in sz - TIENARI, genetic risks and parenting styles in adoption study.
Assessed rates of sz + child-rearing styles of adopted parents
- child rearing styles = higher levels of criticism + low empathy = dev of sz (those with high genetic risk)
= both genetic risk and family stress indicated in cause of sz

Evidence supports d + s model - TARRIER - abt 300 pts of sz, random allocation to 3 groups
APs + CBT
APs + supportive counselling
APs alone (control)
pts in either of two combined groups showed lower symptom levels than pts in control group
= d+ s model provides effective treatment for sz

Question 5

Ev negative interactionist sz

Answer 5

Problems with each type of therapy = hamper effectiveness of approach.
Drug therapy = side effects
CBT = issues with ages/ coherent thinking
FT = pts may not have family/ live with them
= even tho combined deliver twice benefits, still may present problems with pts well-being