Interactionist theory

Question 1

diathesis stress model

Answer 1

diathesis stress model
states that an indivual will develop schizophrenia if they have a biological disposition and environmental trigger. this is example of interactionist approach

• acknowledges biological, psychological and social factors.
• it advocates combined approach to treatment of psychological therapy and antipsychotics.

Question 2

what does meehs model say?

what does modern understanding say?

Answer 2

MEEHS MODEL
stated that diathesis ( vulnerability) was a schizogene and anyone with this would be susceptible to stress and develop schizophrenia
especially if they have (schizophrenogenic mother)

MODERN UNDERSTANDING:
now we understand that many genes could contribute to vulnerability even childhood traumas can be diathesis such as child abuse. stressor could also extend beyond the idea of parenting. for e.g use of cannabis can act as a stressor.

Question 3

evaluation

Answer 3

complex interaction
- multiple biological and psychological cause of diathesis and stress and so model could be deemed to simplistic

evidence for role of vulnerability and triggers
- tienari et al 2004 researchers adopted Finnish children who had biological mothers with schizophrenia and adoptive parents who were hostile, critical and had low empathy and were more likely to develop the disorder
this suggest that both genetic vulnerability and family stress are important in development of schizophrenia.

support for effectiveness of combination of treatments
tarrier et al 2004 found pp who had medication and cbt or medication and counselling had less symptoms after than medication only group. although there was no difference is hospital admission. studies like this show clear practical advantage of taking an interactionist approach.