Diathesis-Stress Model Of Psychopathology

Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley, 2010) Stated that Psychopathology is the study of mental disorders or psychological disorders that impairs the functioning of individuals. Psychopathology looks at the genetics and/or environmental influences of mental and psychological disorder (2010). Psychopathology aids in the treatment of mental disorders. The study and treatment of abnormal behavior has long been a major activity in the field of psychology. Psychopathology is not only the study of mental and social disorders but also the synonym for mental illness. Every type and style of therapy has a different way of viewing psychopathology. The behaviorists would tell you that it comes from maladaptive strategies learned by conditioning which is reward …show more content…
The diathesis-stress model of abnormality explain how biology and environment combine together on human minds. According to this model, people are born with a certain biological or genetic predisposition to a mental illness. (1999) Not everyone will actually develop a mental illness however; those who are predisposed will. Those who are not predisposed will definitely have a chance of a healthy mental life and will not end up with schizophrenia or depression. Some, will experience situations in their lives that increase the likelihood that they will develop the mental illness. If their life situation is serious enough, the combination of environment and biology will cause them to be vulnerable and lead them to developing the illness. Based on the biological model of abnormality, psychological disorders are profound results of biological issues. According to this model, it means that depression might be the result of chemical imbalance in one’s brain. However; this model might have some strengths and limitations. For instance, there are hereditary factors. A parent could have bipolar disorder and pass it on to their children and their grandchildren. Another good example of this model would when a person has to deal with high level of stress, He or she would feel withdrawn, depressed, and perhaps feeling lazy and has no motive toward anything. He stays indoor sometimes and cannot stop thinking about better ways to view life in general. Instead of feeling motivated and going out there looking for ways to improve his life. I know many people who are feeling depressed and behave in such manner. As a Therapeutic Clinician I tell them life is as good as they make it and help them realize that staying in bed and pity themselves will not make right. I also encourage them to do better by searching for resources like