Which of the following is an example of a diathesis-stress model?

• A. A person with a genetic predisposition for depression develops symptoms after experiencing a major life stressor.
• B. A person recovers from stress quickly due to strong social support.
• C. A person experiences stress due to a heavy workload but has no prior vulnerability to mental illness.
• D. A person develops a phobia after observing someone else display fear toward an object.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the diathesis-stress model: it explains how psychological disorders develop due to the interaction between a predispositional vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stressors.
2. Identify the components in each option: look for a combination of an inherent vulnerability (like genetic predisposition) and an external stressor (like a major life event).
3. Evaluate the first option: it mentions a genetic predisposition (diathesis) and the development of symptoms after a major life stressor (stress), which fits the model.
4. Check the other options: they either lack a predispositional vulnerability or do not involve the interaction between vulnerability and stress, so they do not represent the diathesis-stress model.
5. Conclude that the correct example is the one where a person with a genetic predisposition develops symptoms after experiencing a major life stressor, illustrating the interaction central to the diathesis-stress model.