What does the interactionist approach propose about the cause of schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia results from the interaction between biological vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental triggers (stress), rather than either factor alone.

According to the diathesis-stress model, can either biological vulnerability or environmental stress alone cause schizophrenia?

No, neither factor alone is sufficient; both must combine for schizophrenia to develop.

How did the original diathesis-stress model conceptualise diathesis?

As primarily genetic vulnerability.

In the diathesis-stress model, what does 'diathesis' refer to?

Biological vulnerability, such as genetic predisposition or neurochemical abnormalities.

How have modern versions of the diathesis-stress model expanded the concept of diathesis?

Diathesis now includes any biological vulnerability, such as birth complications, neuroanatomical abnormalities, or dopamine dysfunction.

What does 'stress' refer to in the diathesis-stress model of schizophrenia?

Environmental triggers such as trauma, family dysfunction, or life events.

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SchizophreniaOption 2

Topic overview Symptoms of schizophrenia and issues in diagnosis Biological explanations for schizophrenia Psychological explanations for schizophrenia Drug therapy for schizophrenia Psychological therapies for schizophrenia The interactionist approach to schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia

The interactionist approach to schizophrenia

3 things to know
Paper 3

Overview

The diathesis-stress model applied to schizophrenia, how modern versions differ from the original, and the evaluation of the approach.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What does the interactionist approach propose about schizophrenia?

Key term

How have modern versions of the diathesis-stress model changed?

Evaluation

Evaluate the interactionist approach to schizophrenia.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What does the interactionist approach propose about the cause of schizophrenia?
Model answer
Schizophrenia results from the interaction between biological vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental triggers (stress), rather than either factor alone.
2
According to the diathesis-stress model, can either biological vulnerability or environmental stress alone cause schizophrenia?
Model answer
No, neither factor alone is sufficient; both must combine for schizophrenia to develop.
3
How did the original diathesis-stress model conceptualise diathesis?
Model answer
As primarily genetic vulnerability.
4
In the diathesis-stress model, what does 'diathesis' refer to?
Model answer
Biological vulnerability, such as genetic predisposition or neurochemical abnormalities.
5
How have modern versions of the diathesis-stress model expanded the concept of diathesis?
Model answer
Diathesis now includes any biological vulnerability, such as birth complications, neuroanatomical abnormalities, or dopamine dysfunction.
6
What does 'stress' refer to in the diathesis-stress model of schizophrenia?
Model answer
Environmental triggers such as trauma, family dysfunction, or life events.

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