The diathesis-stress model of psychological disorders proposes that:

Question

Accepted Answer

Mental disorders result from the interaction between a biological predisposition and environmental stressors. The diathesis-stress model is an integrative framework proposing that mental disorders develop when a pre-existing vulnerability (the diathesis) is activated by environmental stressors. The diathesis can be genetic, biological, or psychological  -  for example, a genetic predisposition to depression, a neurological vulnerability, or a personality trait like high neuroticism. The stress component can include traumatic events, chronic life difficulties, or even normal developmental challenges. Neither the diathesis nor the stress alone is sufficient; it is their interaction that produces the disorder.

This model explains why not everyone who experiences severe stress develops a mental disorder, and why not everyone with a genetic predisposition does either. Two siblings may share the same genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia, but only the one who encounters significant environmental stressors (such as prenatal complications, childhood trauma, or substance abuse) may develop the disorder. The model also explains the wide variation in age of onset  -  the same predisposition may be triggered at different life stages depending on when sufficient stress is encountered.

"All mental disorders are caused entirely by genetic factors", "All mental disorders are caused entirely by genetic factors", "Brain chemistry alone determines whether someone develops a...", and "Brain chemistry alone determines whether someone develops a..." represent biological reductionism  -  the incorrect view that mental disorders are determined solely by biology. "All mental disorders are caused entirely by genetic factors" represents environmental determinism  -  the equally incorrect view that disorders are caused entirely by life experiences. The diathesis-stress model rejects both extremes in favor of an interactionist approach that recognizes the complex interplay between nature and nurture. This model is widely accepted in modern psychopathology and applies to numerous disorders including depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and PTSD.

CLEP Introductory Psychology: Question of the Day

Get a free CLEP Introductory Psychology question every day

Ready for the full CLEP Introductory Psychology? Earn 3 college credits.