Skyller Stickfort

11/3/2015
Diathesis Stress Model
The diathesis stress model is a psychological theory that explains
behavior as coupled with stressful life events. The term diathesis is
derived from the Greek meaning vulnerable. This model asserts that if
the combination of the vulnerability to the stress and the stress itself
exceeds the threshold, then the person will develop a mental disorder.
This model also serves to explore how biological or genetic traits
interact with environmental stressors to produce these disorders.
Disorders included in this model include depression, anxiety, and
schizophrenia.
There are other factors involved in this model. Protective factors
are a side component of this model and are explained as something
that can mitigate or provide a buffer against the effects of major
stressors by allowing the individual ways of dealing with the stress. An
example of this would be having a strong friend group or having a
mentally strong parent to help deal with the stressor. Not all life
experiences (stressors) lead to a disorder. Recent research indicates
certain specific qualities of these life experiences are the important
part for bringing about the disorder; also, the magnitude of the event
being critical. An example of this would be the death of a family
member leading to depression or an event where personal danger was
present leading to an anxiety disorder.

Skyller Stickfort
11/3/2015
The diathesis stress model tends to be vague about the nature of
stress and how important the stress is to creating vulnerability. Certain
stressors may be minor to one person and critical to another. This is
why some people develop disorders and some do not. Stress cannot
create the same vulnerability in everyone. This is especially true since
it is related to how a person was raised, what level of other stressors
are in their life, and the details of their family mental history. When
stress scores are a mixture of individual opinion and differences, little
headway can be made with this model. Another problem is the
frequency of the stress in an individuals life. Not only must severity be
taken into account, by frequency as well.
Even though there are numerous factors that differ when using
the diathesis stress model, studies have shown measurable results. In
a study of maltreated children, assumptions based on the diathesis
stress model were tested and shown to be somewhat accurate. Young
boys with maltreatment (stressor) were shown to have a much greater
externalized behavior pattern, namely, aggression and recklessness. It
was also shown that those with this type of behavior had a much
higher risk for developing mental disorders such as schizophrenia. Here
we have proof that shows a stressful environment may trigger
externalized behavior and a higher risk for mental disorders. It is not
possible to include all risk factors (stressors) in a study or stress model,

Skyller Stickfort
11/3/2015
but we are able to see that one type of stress can lead to mental
disorders.
Here we can see the strength of the diathesis stress model. While
it is not possible to measure the stressors frequency and intensity for
each person in a quantitive way, generalizations can be made. By
looking at a simple cause and effect model of stress leading to mental
disease, we can see definite correlations. This model doesnt allow us
to measure to a one hundred percent certainty, and that may be seen
as a negative. But we have to look at how this model helps us. By
looking at a patients history and seeing significant stressors, we can
help their future by creating the proper treatment plan. This model
shows us what type of stressors can cause certain types of mental
disorders. With this information, we can help more patients effectively
fight mental disorders and hopefully prevent them.

Skyller Stickfort
11/3/2015

Monroe, S., Simons, A. (1991). Diathesis-Stress Theories in the

Context of Life Stress Research. American Psychological Association.
Vol. 110, No. 3, 406-425.

Walker, E. Geraldine, D. (1989). The Effects of Parental

Psychopathology and Maltreatment on Child Behavior: A Test of the
Diathesis-Stress Model. Child Development, Vol. 60, No. 1, pp. 15-24.