Diathesis-Stress Model
- The Diathesis-Stress Model explains mental disorders as the result of a combination of a pre-existing vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stressors (stress).
- This model highlights that neither genetics nor environment alone are sufficient to cause a disorder; it is the interaction between the two that leads to mental health issues.
Key Concepts
- Diathesis : Refers to a biological or psychological vulnerability, such as genetic predisposition or early childhood experiences.
- Stress : Involves external pressures or life events, such as trauma, loss, or chronic stress.
- Interaction : The model suggests that individuals with a high diathesis require less stress to develop a disorder, while those with low diathesis need more significant stressors. It is never just the vulnerability or stress that cause the disorder alone, it is instead usually a combination of both factors.
Depression in Twins
- Kendler et al. (2006) found that monozygotic twins had a higher concordance rate for depression than dizygotic twins, but the rates were not 100%.
- This indicates that genetics alone do not determine depression; environmental factors also play a crucial role.
Critical Thinking
- Strengths:
