IB Psychology: Diathesis-Stress Model, Caspi 5-HTT Study & Depression

What is the Diathesis-Stress Model?

A psychological model that explains how genetic predispositions and environmental stressors interact to influence behavior, particularly mental health.

What role does epigenetics play in the Diathesis-Stress Model?

Epigenetics examines how environmental factors can lead to gene expression, influencing behaviors and mental health.

How does the Diathesis-Stress Model explain depression?

It suggests that individuals with a genetic predisposition to depression are more likely to develop the condition when exposed to stressful environments.

What are risk factors in the context of the Diathesis-Stress Model?

Factors that increase the likelihood of gene expression leading to negative behaviors, such as depression.

What are protective factors in the context of the Diathesis-Stress Model?

Factors that decrease the likelihood of gene expression leading to negative behaviors, helping to mitigate stress effects.

What did Kendler et al. (2006) find in their twin study on depression?

They found that the average concordance rate for MZ twins was 31% for males and 44% for females, while for DZ twins it was 11% and 16%, indicating a genetic component to depression.

What is genetic vulnerability?

The concept that some individuals may have a genetic predisposition that increases their risk of developing depression.

What did Caspi et al. (2003) study regarding the 5-HTT gene?

They examined how variations of the 5-HTT gene affect the likelihood of developing depression after stressful life events.

What is the significance of having two short alleles of the 5-HTT gene?

Individuals with two short alleles are more likely to develop major depression following stressful life events.

What correlation did Rahe find in his study using the Holmes-Rahe Stress Scale?

He found a +0.118 correlation between stress scale scores and illness, suggesting a link between stress and health outcomes.

What does a score of 300 or more on the Holmes-Rahe Stress Scale indicate?

An 80% chance of health breakdown within the next two years.

Why is the concordance rate for MZ twins not 100%?

Even with identical genes, MZ twins may experience different environmental stressors, affecting gene expression.

What is a limitation of the Diathesis-Stress Model?

It primarily focuses on vulnerability and stress, often overlooking cognitive factors and protective influences.

How does the Diathesis-Stress Model apply to various mental disorders?

It provides a framework for understanding a range of conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia.

What is the role of the Human Genome Project in understanding depression?

It has identified genetic markers that correlate with Major Depressive Disorder, aiding in the understanding of genetic influences on depression.

What is the relationship between environmental factors and gene expression?

Environmental factors can either promote or inhibit the expression of genes related to behaviors and mental health.

What is the main focus of modern genetics research in relation to depression?

To identify specific genes involved in depression through genetic mapping and the use of DNA markers.

What does the Diathesis-Stress Model suggest about mental illness origins?

It assumes that mental illness may have a genetic origin, although this claim is not definitively established for all disorders.

How can the Diathesis-Stress Model be linked to health problems?

It can explain health issues like addiction and obesity by examining the interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental stressors.

What is the importance of understanding both genetic and environmental factors in psychology?

It provides a more holistic view of human behavior and mental health, acknowledging the complexity of interactions.

What is the significance of studying twins in psychological research?

Twin studies help to isolate genetic factors from environmental influences in understanding behaviors and mental health.

What is the potential impact of resilience and social support in the Diathesis-Stress Model?

These factors can mitigate the impact of stressors and reduce the likelihood of negative gene expression.

Why is the Diathesis-Stress Model considered a holistic approach?

It acknowledges the interplay between biological and environmental factors rather than reducing behavior to a single cause.

What is a prospective longitudinal study?

A research design that follows participants over time to observe outcomes related to specific variables, such as stress and depression.

What is the role of cognitive factors in the Diathesis-Stress Model?

The model tends to overlook cognitive factors that may also influence behavior and mental health.

How does the Diathesis-Stress Model explain the variability in depression among individuals?

It accounts for differences in gene expression due to varying environmental stressors, leading to different outcomes.

What is the significance of the 5-HTT gene in mood regulation?

It is involved in serotonin pathways that affect mood, emotions, aggression, sleep, and anxiety.

What does the term 'concordance rate' refer to in twin studies?

The percentage of twin pairs that both exhibit a particular trait or disorder, indicating genetic influence.

What factors can influence the expression of genes related to behavior?

Environmental stressors, lifestyle choices, and social support can all impact gene expression.