Understanding Behavior: The Diathesis Stress Model and Gene-Environment Correlation Model

The Limitations of Focusing on a Single Perspective

Question 1Research often focuses on one perspective at the expense of others. For example, biological explanations of disorders can be criticised for ignoring the effects of nurture, while environmental explanations of disorders may ignore the effects of nature. A balanced position between nature and nurture is offered by the diathesis stress model and gene environment correlation model. This interactionist perspective offers a more comprehensive approach to understanding behaviour as it takes into consideration the influence of both genes and the environment. Explain the diathesis stress model and gene environment correlation model, with supporting evidence from the extant literature. Apply your understanding of both models to explain the etiology of any two appropriate psychological disorders.

 Question 2Tricia, a 24-year-old female, is a final year student at a local university. She lives with her parents and younger sister who has already graduated from university. Tricia has recently beenadmitted to a local hospital with complaints of weight loss, recurrent episodes of vomiting for a period of 2 years, menstrual irregularities for a year, and has experienced amenorrhea for the past 6 months. Tricia’s parents noted that she had been sedentary since her enrolment in a local junior college. Following a series of medical tests by a physician, no medical issues were identified except for low levels ofha emoglobin. The patient was referred to a clinical psychologist by her attending physician, as she appeared less cheerful, dull, and inactive after a follow-up consultation. During the intake interview, Tricia indicated the probable precipitating factor as being her mother’s critical comments about her body weight and physical appearance. Upon further discussion with the clinical psychologist, Tricia shared her negative experiences during her junior college days, when her mother and classmates would casually comment on the size of her hips and thighs, and how she would look better if they were smaller. This experience caused Tricia to reduce her dietary intake and avoid any food perceived to be “fattening”. Gradually, she began to skip breakfast and consumed very little food for lunch. Concurrently, she avoided eating in front of her family members. At times, she would have her meals in secret and, on occasion, would discreetly go to the bathroom and induce vomiting.Tricia reported wanting to impress her family and friends by looking slimmer. She recalled that her mother would repeatedly compare her with thin-looking girls on television and in magazines, and also with her slim younger sister. Tricia eventually developed a morbid fear of looking overweight and unattractive, and recently began eating fennel seeds to facilitate digestion. She would use soap water as an enema and would occasionally consume laxatives. As a result of this behaviour, her weight rapidly dropped from 62 kg to 30 kg.Identify Tricia’s disorder, with reference to the symptoms stated in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). Identify and determine the appropriate assessment methods necessary to diagnose this disorder. Discuss the psychological and social causes of the diagnosed disorder, based on Tricia’s experiences.  Question 3Jordan, who is seven years old, has always had trouble sitting still and settling down. He is easily bored and has a tendency to get distracted. In his primary school, he is unable to remainin his seat for very long and he frequently does not follow his teachers’ instructions. In class, he is either fidgeting or staring into space. Teachers have observed that Jordan displays poor social skills and may overreact when someone accidentally bumps into him or touches his stationery. At home, he chatters constantly and rarely settles down to do a quiet activity, such as reading a book.Symptoms seen in Jordan’s case are common among seven-year-olds, particularly among boys. However, consider what these symptoms mean. Does Jordan simply have a lot of energy and a short attention span? These are some questions that need to be addressed to diagnose Jordan with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).Discuss possible causes of Jordan’s diagnosis of ADHD from the biological perspective. Determine, with evidence from the extant literature, whether or not ADHD is an over-diagnosed disorder. In addition, examine the advantages and disadvantages of diagnosing children, like Jordan, with ADHD