Diathesis-stress model
Encyclopedia
The diathesis–stress model is a psychological theory that explains behavior
as a result of both biological
and genetic
vulnerability (the meaning of the Greek word διάθεσις diathesis), and stress from life experiences.
This model thus assumes that the onset of a certain disorder may result from a combination of one's biological disposition towards the given disorder and stressful events that bring about the onset to such disorder. 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 applied to mental disorders, like schizophrenia
, depression, and anxiety disorder
. The Catalyst Model is one example of a diathesis-stress model applied to violent behavior .
in the 1960s with the development of new theories about 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, which 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.
Behavior
Behavior or behaviour refers to the actions and mannerisms made by organisms, systems, or artificial entities in conjunction with its environment, which includes the other systems or organisms around as well as the physical environment...
as a result of both biological
Biology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
and genetic
Genetics
Genetics , a discipline of biology, is the science of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms....
vulnerability (the meaning of the Greek word διάθεσις diathesis), and stress from life experiences.
This model thus assumes that the onset of a certain disorder may result from a combination of one's biological disposition towards the given disorder and stressful events that bring about the onset to such disorder. 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 applied to mental disorders, like schizophrenia
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a disintegration of thought processes and of emotional responsiveness. It most commonly manifests itself as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking, and it is accompanied by significant social...
, depression, and anxiety disorder
Anxiety disorder
Anxiety disorder is a blanket term covering several different forms of abnormal and pathological fear and anxiety. Conditions now considered anxiety disorders only came under the aegis of psychiatry at the end of the 19th century. Gelder, Mayou & Geddes explains that anxiety disorders are...
. The Catalyst Model is one example of a diathesis-stress model applied to violent behavior .
Historical development
The diathesis concept has a long history in medical terminology. The word diathesis derives from the ancient Greek idea of disposition here. This word was related to the humor (body fluids) theory of temperament and disease. The peculiar terminology diathesis-stress was used by psychologists Manfred Bleuler and David RosenthalDavid Rosenthal
David Rosenthal may refer to:*David Rosenthal , American keyboardist, music producer, and songwriter*David H. Rosenthal , American author, poet, editor and translator*David M. Rosenthal , multiple people...
in the 1960s with the development of new theories about schizophrenia.
Current formulation
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 underlying dynamic within the model between the diathesis and the stress components is not clear. For some authors, it is likely to be additive or ipsative (e.g. the greater the underlying vulnerability, the less stress is needed to trigger the behavior or disorder; and conversely); but other views hold that high levels of both stress and diathesis are needed, or that diatheses are changed under high stress to allow further less stressful events to stress sufficiently the diathesis and trigger the onset of the disease. The Catalyst Model is one such example postulated for aggressive and violent behavior . According to this model, genetic predispositions and child neglect or abuse create personality traits prone to violence. Violent behaviors themselves are more likely triggered under periods of stress or strain. This model has been found to be superior to traditional social learning models in the prediction of assaults and other violent behaviors.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 schizophreniaSchizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a disintegration of thought processes and of emotional responsiveness. It most commonly manifests itself as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking, and it is accompanied by significant social...
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, which include rigorous and nuanced psychopharmacology
Psychopharmacology
Psychopharmacology is the scientific study of the actions of drugs and their effects on mood, sensation, thinking, and behavior...
, 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.
See also
- Holmes and Rahe stress scale
- Biopsychosocial modelBiopsychosocial modelThe biopsychosocial model is a general model or approach that posits that biological, psychological , and social factors, all play a significant role in human functioning in the context of disease or illness...
- Gene–environment interactionGene-environment interactionGene–environment interaction is the phenotypic effect of interactions between genes and the environment....
- Differential SusceptibilityDifferential susceptibility hypothesisAccording to the differential susceptibility hypothesis by Belsky individuals vary in the degree they are affected by experiences or qualities of the environment they are exposed to...
- HeritabilityHeritabilityThe Heritability of a population is the proportion of observable differences between individuals that is due to genetic differences. Factors including genetics, environment and random chance can all contribute to the variation between individuals in their observable characteristics...
- Nature versus nurtureNature versus nurtureThe nature versus nurture debate concerns the relative importance of an individual's innate qualities versus personal experiences The nature versus nurture debate concerns the relative importance of an individual's innate qualities ("nature," i.e. nativism, or innatism) versus personal experiences...
- Tabula rasaTabula rasaTabula rasa is the epistemological theory that individuals are born without built-in mental content and that their knowledge comes from experience and perception. Generally proponents of the tabula rasa thesis favour the "nurture" side of the nature versus nurture debate, when it comes to aspects...