Diathesis-stress Model
suggests that a person may be predisposed for a mental disorder that remains unexpressed until triggered by stress
The diathesis-stress model is a framework for understanding the way in which various factors contribute to the development of certain disorders. According to this model, a person’s susceptibility to a particular disorder is the result of both inherited genetic traits, or diathesis, and environmental stressors.
The diathesis-stress model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to a certain disorder are more likely to develop that disorder when exposed to environmental stressors. Stressors can include adverse life experiences, such as trauma, abuse or neglect, as well as challenging life events, such as loss or financial struggles.
The strength of the diathesis, or genetic susceptibility, and the amount of stress a person experiences, influence the likelihood of developing a disorder. Individuals who have a strong family history of a disorder may have a higher genetic predisposition to that disorder and require less environmental stress to trigger the onset of that disorder. Alternatively, individuals with a weaker genetic predisposition and/or less exposure to stressors may be less likely to develop the disorder.
The diathesis-stress model has been applied to many different psychological disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and substance abuse disorders. This model helps scientists and clinicians understand how both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the onset and progression of a disorder, and can aid in the development of interventions and treatments.
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