Glossary / Lexicon

Diathesis-stress model refers to a theory of stress that suggests that some individuals are vulnerable to stress-related illnesses because they are genetically predisposed to those illnesses.
Diathesis-stress model refers also to the proposal that people are born with a predisposition (or "diathesis") that places them at risk for developing a psychological disorder if exposed to certain extremely stressful life experiences. Moreover, it refers to hypothesis that both an inherited tendency/ vulnerability and specific stressful conditions are required to produce a disorder.

Description

The diathesis-stress model is a psychological theory that suggests that mental health disorders develop due to a combination of genetic predisposition (diathesis) and environmental stress factors. According to this model, individuals inherit certain vulnerabilities that make them more susceptible to developing a disorder under stressful conditions. The diathesis can be biological, such as genetic factors or a family history of mental illness, or psychological, like early life experiences or personality traits. The stress component refers to external factors like traumatic events, chronic stress, or environmental influences that trigger the expression of the diathesis. The model proposes that the interaction between these two factors determines the likelihood of developing a mental health disorder. Understanding this interplay is essential for mental health professionals in predicting, preventing, and treating psychological conditions.

Application Areas

• Clinical psychology
• Psychiatry
• Counseling
• Research on mental health disorders

Treatment and Risks

• Psychotherapy
• Medication management
• Identifying and reducing sources of stress
• Monitoring for signs of developing mental health disorders

Examples

• A child with a genetic predisposition for anxiety disorder experiencing trauma in early childhood
• An individual with a family history of depression facing significant academic or work-related stress
• A person with a genetic vulnerability for schizophrenia being exposed to substance abuse

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• Vulnerability-stress model
• Biopsychosocial model
• Multifactorial model
• Risk factor approach

Articles with 'Diathesis-stress model' in the title

• Diathesis-stress model of depression: Diathesis-stress model of depression refers to a Theory of Depression proposing that the impact of Stress is moderated by individual risk factors and that the occurrence of depressi on depends on the interaction between the subject"s . . .

Summary

The diathesis-stress model in psychology explains how mental health disorders develop through a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental stress factors. Understanding this interaction is crucial for predicting, preventing, and treating psychological conditions. By identifying vulnerabilities and stressors, mental health professionals can help individuals mitigate risks and manage their mental well-being.

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