Stress-Diathesis Model

The stress-diathesis model is the explanation that a disorder or behaviour trait is the result of an interaction between genetic predisposition vulnerability and stress, usually caused by life events and factors.

Schizophrenia can be explained by the stress-diathesis model. A child may have inherited the gene from their parents (nature). This means that they are predisposed to the gene.

However, environmental factors, (nurture) such as a stressful life event, may trigger the activation of the gene, which then results in a schizophrenic episode.

There is growing evidence that the stress-diathesis model offers a more credible explanation for behaviour than looking at genetics and the environment as separate factors.