Schizophrenia - interactionist approach Flashcards
interactionist approach
interaction between different factors combine in a way that can’t be predicted
diathesis-stress model
vulnerability and stress trigger the development of the condition
Meehl’s original diathesis-stress model for schizophrenia (1962)
purely genetic vulnerability caused by one schizogene. chronic stress in childhood or schizophrenogenic parents/some form of psychological trauma triggered
modern diathesis-stress model for schizophrenia
genetic or physiological vulnerability. Ripke -> many genes not just one schizogene. Read -> early childhood trauma alters developing brain. psychological stress or lifestyle choices (e.g. using cannabis) can trigger onset
an example of how early trauma can alter the brain
HPA becomes more overactive meaning the individual becomes more vulnerable to later stress
how is the UK and US different in the way it views the interactionist approach
UK embraces it and uses antipsychotics as well as CBT to treat it, whereas the US are slower to accept and focus more on biological approaches so only use antipsychotics
strengths of the interactionist approach
+ evidence supporting, Tienari adoptee study. hostile parenting style = more likely to develop schizophrenia but only in groups with genetic predisposition
+ successful combination of bio+psych treatments. Tarrier -> groups with combination = less symptoms than group with medication only
limitations of the interactionist approach
- suffers treatment-causation fallacy. Jarvis and Okami -> like saying because alcohol reduces shyness, shyness is caused by a lack of alcohol. can’t automatically assume combined therapies’ success means explanation is correct
- original model’s over simplicity. Houston -> childhood sexual abuse and cannabis use = stressors. psychological + biological - SUPPORTS MODERN MODEL
