Risk Factors Flashcards
Outline genetic vulnerability as a risk factor of addiction (6 marks)
One risk factor of addiction is a genetic vulnerability which suggests that we may inherit a predisposition which increases the risk of developing Schizophrenia. Genetic vulnerability is explained as an interaction between genes and the environment factors as an individual will not become addicted unless they are exposed to the substance or behaviour. Within the brain we have several receptors that communicate with neurotransmitters, for example dopamine which is responsible for feelings of pleasure. The number of D2 receptors that communicate with dopamine is determined by genetics. Having fewer D2 receptors is associated with addiction as it leads to problems with experiencing pleasure, so individuals turn to more addictive substances such as nicotine to experience pleasure and compensate for this deficiency.
Discuss genetic vulnerability as a factor affecting addiction (2 X AO3)
Moreover, the research into genetic vulnerability as a risk factor into addiction is often based on correlational research where cause and effect cannot be established. Research has shown a link between risk factors such as genetics and addiction, but it often does not show which came first. For example, it could be that addiction causes abnormalities in D2 receptors. Therefore, the research lacks internal validity as it does not allow us to conclude that these factors do make someone more at risk of addiction.
Research to support genetic vulnerability as a risk factor in addiction was conducted by Kendler et al using data from the National Swedish Adoption Study. They looked at adults who had been adopted as children, from biological families in which at least one person had an addiction. These children later had a significantly greater risk of developing an addiction themselves, compared to adopted individuals with no addicted parent in their biological families. This shows that an addiction vulnerability can be inherited through genes. Therefore, increases the validity to genetic vulnerability as a risk factor in addiction.
Outline stress as a risk factor of addiction (6 marks)
Stress is where an individual experiences a state of arousal that occurs when they believe they do not have the ability to cope with the perceived threat. People who experience stress may turn to addictive substances or behaviours as a form of self-medication for stress. Periods of chronic, long lasting stress and traumatic life events in childhood have been linked with increased risk of developing an addiction. It has been found that early experiences of severe stress have damaging effects on a young brain in a sensitive period of development and can create a vulnerability to later stress. Further stressful experiences in later life could trigger the vulnerability and make it more likely that a person may self-medicate with substances or behavioural addictions.
Evaluate stress as a risk factor of addiction (1 X AO3)
Moreover, the research into stress as a risk factor into addiction is often based on correlational research where cause and effect cannot be established. Research has shown a link between risk factors such as stress and addiction, but it often does not show which came first. For example, it could be that an addiction causes an individual to become stressed rather than stress causing addiction. Therefore, the research lacks internal validity as it does not allow us to conclude that stress does make someone more at risk of addiction.
Outline personality as a risk factor of addiction (6 marks)
Psychologists have proposed an addictive personality suggesting a correlation between certain traits and addiction. It is suggested that anti-social personality disorder leads to a high vulnerability to addiction, which can include neurotic and psychotic personality traits. For example, high levels of neuroticism leads to high levels of anxiety and low self-efficacy. Also, high levels of psychoticism lead to individuals becoming aggressive, impulsive and sometimes emotionally detached which leads to risk taking and sensation seeking behaviour. Individuals who have these pathological personalities are more likely to become addicts as the behaviour or substance offers relief.
Discuss personality as a risk factor affecting addiction (2 X AO3)
A strength of the personality as a risk factor in addictive behaviour comes from supporting research. Eysenck and Gossop assessed the personality of drug addicts and non-addicted ppts using Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire. They found evidence of high psychoticism and neuroticism scores in the addicted participants compared to non-addicted participants. Therefore, this supports the role of neuroticism and psychoticism personality traits as a risk factor in addictive behaviour giving validity to this risk factor.
However research into personality as a risk factor into addiction is often based on correlational research where cause and effect cannot be established. Research has shown a link between risk factors such as personality and addiction, but it often does not show which came first. For example, it could be that addiction causes an individual to show traits such as anxiety, irritability and impulsivity rather than these traits causing addiction. Therefore, the research lacks internal validity as it does not allow us to conclude that an antisocial personality makes someone more at risk of addiction.
Outline family influence as a risk factor of addiction (6 marks)
One family influence which can create vulnerability to addiction is perceived parental approval. If an adolescent believes their parents show positive attitudes towards an addictive substance or behaviour, then they will be more vulnerable to developing the addiction themselves. Livingstone et al found that final year high school students who were allowed by their parents to drink alcohol at home were significantly more likely to drink excessively at college the following year. Also, adolescents who believe that their parents have little interest in monitoring their behaviour are significantly more likely to develop an addiction. Also, exposure within family life to a substance or behaviour creates a risk of developing an addiction. Social Learning Theory could play a role. An individual could observe a family member (role model) engaging in an addictive behaviour and imitate this behaviour as they identify with them and want to be like them.
Evaluate family influence as a risk factor of addiction (1 X AO3)
Research to support family influences as a risk factor for addiction comes from Madras et al. She studied families, with adolescents, where the parents used cannabis. She found a strong positive correlation between the parents use of cannabis and the adolescents use of cannabis, nicotine, alcohol and opioids. This may show that the adolescents perceived that the parents were accepting of drug use so went on to use drugs themselves. STRETCH: It may also be because the adolescents observed their parents using cannabis and modelled this behaviour. Therefore this supports family influences as a risk factor for addiction.
Outline peers as a factor affecting addiction (6 marks)
Peers can influence an individual’s development during adolescence as they spend more time with them and less with their family. Some psychologists may argue that peers may act as gateways to addictive behaviour. O’Connell et al suggests that adolescents are at risk of developing alcohol addiction due to the influence of their peers because of the attitudes and norms to drinking alcohol which can be influenced by associating with groups of peers who drink alcohol. It could also be due to the opportunities to drink alcohol as the experienced peers provide more opportunities for the at risk individual to drink alcohol. Finally, it could be due to an individual’s perception where they may over-estimate how much their peers drink, and therefore drink more to ‘keep up with them’.
Evaluate peers (1 X AO3)
A limitation of PEERS as a risk factor in addiction is based on correlational research where cause and effect cannot be established. Research has shown a link between risk factors such as peers and addiction, but it often does not show which came first. For example, it could be that addiction causes an individual to seek out peers who also share the same addictive behaviours/interests e.g. drug/alcohol misuse rather than their peers and norms making them engage in addictive behaviour. Therefore, the research lacks internal validity as it does not allow us to conclude that PEERS do make someone more at risk of addiction.
