Describe how 2 exps of scz could be applied to scenario (15)

• Para 1: psychodynamic approach

  The psychodynamic approach explains Rhian’s schizophrenia as a result of fixation and regression during the oral stage of psychosexual development. Freud suggested that if an individual experiences either too much or too little gratification during this early stage, they become fixated. When later faced with stress - such as recent family problems noted by her father - Rhian may regress to this stage, where the ego underdeveloped. This would lead to the unchecked activity of the id, manifesting as hallucinations and delusions, like hearing voices and believing she’s being watched. These symptoms indicate a breakdown in her ability to distinguish fantasy from reality - essentially, a return to a state of primary narcissism. Additionally, Fromm-Reichmann’s theory of schizophrenogenic mother may apply: if Rhian experienced a controlling yet emotionally distant maternal relationship, this could have…
• Para 1: psychodynamic approach (2)

  … undermined her ability to develop secure attachments and a stable sense of self, leaving her vulnerable to psychosis in the face of later life stress.
• Para 2: cognitive approach

  The cognitive approach offers a more mechanistic explanation, focusing on distorted information processing. Morrison (1998) proposed that hallucinations can be triggered by stress or sleep deprivation, and that these are misinterpreted in maladaptive ways. Rhian’s belief that people are watching her might reflect disorders in self-monitoring and theory of mind, as suggested by Frith (1992), where she struggles to differentiate her own thoughts from external voices or fails to accurately interpret others’ intentions. This could explain her persecutory delusions. Beck et Al (2008) extend this by linking negative symptoms - like Rhian’s lack of motivation, emotional flatness, and withdrawal - to dysfunctional beliefs about herself and the future. She may filter out positive experiences and reinforce a pessimistic worldview, leading to symptoms such as avolition and anhedonia.
• Conclusion

  In conclusion, both approaches help account for different aspects of Rhian’s condition: the psychodynamic view highlights early developmental and relational factors, whereas the cognitive model explains how her current thought processes and interpretations of experience contribute to her symptoms. Together, they provide a multi-faceted understanding of schizophrenia in this case.