In the context of the interactionist approach to schizophrenia, how does the modern understanding of the diathesis-stress model differ from Meehl's original formulation?
Meehl's model proposed that diathesis was purely genetic and stress was psychological, whereas the modern model views diathesis as potentially neurodevelopmental (e.g., stemming from childhood trauma) and stress as biological (e.g., substance abuse) or psychological.
Meehl's model proposed that multiple candidate genes combined to form the diathesis, whereas the modern model argues that a single 'schizogene' is triggered by dysfunctional family communication.
Meehl's model focused on combining CBTp with atypical antipsychotics, whereas the modern model emphasizes that drug therapy alone is sufficient if the diathesis is genetic.
Meehl's model viewed stress as a pre-natal biological complication, whereas the modern model defines stress exclusively as high Expressed Emotion (EE) within the family environment.
Practise AQA A Level Psychology Interactionist approach and diathesis-stress with exam-style questions for A Level Psychology. 8 questions, matched to the AQA A Level Psychology (7182) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
