AO1- interactionist approach

• What is the main focus of the Interactionist approach to schizophrenia?


  It acknowledges that a variety of factors lead to the development of schizophrenia.
• What types of factors does the Interactionist approach recognize in the development of schizophrenia?


  Biological, societal, and psychological factors.
• What does the diathesis stress model suggest about schizophrenia?


  It suggests that vulnerability to schizophrenia exists but requires a trigger to develop the disorder.
• In the diathesis stress model, what does the term 'diathesis' refer to?


  It refers to the vulnerability to schizophrenia.
• What is the role of the 'stressor' in the diathesis stress model?


  The stressor triggers the development of schizophrenia in those who are vulnerable.
• Who originally proposed the diathesis stress model and what did they identify?


  Meehl proposed the model and identified a 'schizogene'.
• What is the significance of the 'schizogene' according to Meehl's model?


  It leaves someone vulnerable to developing schizophrenia.
• How does having the 'schizogene' affect a person's personality?


  It may make them particularly sensitive to criticism.
• What role do overly critical parents play in the development of schizophrenia according to the model?


  They can trigger the disorder in individuals with the 'schizogene'.
• What alternative vulnerability to schizophrenia did Read et al. propose?


  Childhood trauma alters the developing brain, making a person vulnerable.
• What can trigger schizophrenia in individuals with a vulnerability according to the study?


  Some kind of environmental factor.
• What is one example of a stress element that can lead to schizophrenia?


  Cannabis use can act as a trigger for those vulnerable to the disorder.
• What is the common treatment approach in the UK according to the diathesis stress model?


  Antipsychotic medication along with psychological treatment such as CBT.
• What was the procedure of the Tienari et al. (2004) study?


  • Reviewed hospital records of nearly 20,000 women admitted to Finnish psychiatric hospitals.
  • Identified those diagnosed with schizophrenia.
  • Matched high-risk adoptees (145) with low-risk adoptees (158).
  • Assessed both groups after 12 years and followed up after 21 years.
  • Evaluated family functioning using the Oulu Family Rating Scale.
• What were the findings of the Tienari et al. (2004) study regarding schizophrenia development?


  • 14 adoptees developed schizophrenia: 11 from high-risk and 3 from low-risk groups.
  • Healthy adoptive family environments had a protective effect.
  • Adoptive-family stress was a significant predictor of schizophrenia in high-risk adoptees.