Interactionist approach

• Who proposed the diathesis-stress model?


  Meehl
• What is the diathesis-stress model?


  There is one personality type that is susceptible to schizophrenia and if the individual has the gene it was most likely result in schizophrenia with the addition of the schizophrenogenic mother
• What is the modern understanding of diathesis?

  Schizophrenia is cause by multiple genes and trauma can become the diathesis as it can affect the development of the brain
• What is the modern understanding of stress?

  It links to parenting but also now suggests that psychological factors can be at risk
• What are treatments based on the diathesis-stress model?


  Favours antipsychotic treatments and CBT but usually favour a combination of both
• What are the strengths of the interactionist approach?


  Holistic approach

  Supporting evidence

  Practical advantages
• What are the weaknesses of the interactionist approach?


  The diathesis-stress lacks clarity and detail

  Error of logic problem = 'treatment-causation theory'

  Too simplistic