Diathesis–stress Model Information

The diathesis–stress model is a psychological theory that explains behavior as both a result of biological and genetic factors ("nature"), and life experiences ("nurture").

This model thus assumes that a disposition towards a certain disorder may result from a combination of one's genetics and early learning. The term "diathesis" is used to refer to a genetic predisposition toward an abnormal or diseased condition. According to the model, this predisposition, in combination with certain kinds of environmental stress, results in abnormal behavior.

This theory is often used to describe the pronunciation of mental disorders, like schizophrenia that are produced by the interaction of a vulnerable hereditary predisposition, with precipitating events in the environment. It was originally introduced as a means to explain some of the causes of schizophrenia^[1].

Vulnerability

In the diathesis–stress model, a biological or genetic vulnerability or predisposition (diathesis) interacts with the environment and life events (stressors) to trigger behaviors or psychological disorders. The greater the underlying vulnerability, the less stress is needed to trigger the behavior or disorder. Conversely, where there is a smaller genetic contribution greater life stress is required to produce the particular result. Even so, someone with a diathesis towards a disorder does not necessarily mean they will ever develop the disorder. Both the diathesis and the stress are required for this to happen.

This theory was created by Holmes & Rahe. Holmes and Rahe conducted a study into life events as stressors, marriage was given an arbitory rating of 50 in their life events scale, participants were asked to rate other life events such as imprisonment, change in financial state and death of a spouse as needing more or less re-adjustment. Ratings were based on the participants' own experiences or the perception of how others had adjusted to given life events.

Holmes and Rahe found that the more life events were experienced the more stress was experienced - this could be linked to a person becoming ill.^{[citation needed]} The study of life events carries western views of success, materialism and conformism, it would not be suitable to generalise across many different cultures.

Reformulation

The diathesis–stress model has been reformulated in the last 20 years as the stress–vulnerability–protective factors model, particularly by Dr. Robert P. Liberman and his colleagues in the field of psychiatric rehabilitation.^{[citation needed]}

Effects

This model has had profound benefits for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses. It has stimulated research on the common stressors that people with disorders such as schizophrenia experience. More importantly, it has stimulated research and treatment on how to mitigate this stress, and therefore reduce the expression of the diathesis, by developing protective factors. Protective factors include rigorous and nuanced psychopharmacology, skill building (especially problem solving and basic communication skills) and the development of support systems for individuals with these illnesses.

Even more importantly, the stress–vulnerability–protective factors model has allowed mental health workers, family members, and clients to create a sophisticated personal profile of what happens when the person is doing poorly (the diathesis), what hurts (the stressors), and what helps (the protective factors). This has resulted in more humane, effective, efficient, and empowering treatment interventions.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• Biopsychosocial model
• Gene–environment interaction
• Differential Susceptibility
• Heritability
• Nature versus nurture
• Tabula rasa

References

1. ^ Zubin J, Spring B (April 1977). "Vulnerability--a new view of schizophrenia". J Abnorm Psychol 86 (2): 103–26. doi:10.1037/0021-843X.86.2.103. PMID 858828.

Examples in Literature: In "I Know This Much Is True" by Wally Lamb, the case of Thomas is an example of the Stress Diathesis Model in action. The confluence of enmeshment with mother, abuse from a step father and probable family history of mental illness combine to nurture Thomas' developing psychosis.

Categories: Abnormal psychology | Psychological theories | Stress | Schizophrenia

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See Also:

• Animal Models
• Biopsychosocial Model
• Bleeding Diathesis
• Cellular Model
• Diathesis-stress Model
• Diathesis
• Medical Model
• Model
• Social Model
• Stress Model