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

• A. A person inherits a medical condition that manifests regardless of environmental factors.
• B. A person develops anxiety solely due to exposure to a traumatic event, with no prior vulnerability.
• C. A person recovers from stress quickly due to strong social support.
• D. A person with a genetic predisposition for depression develops symptoms after experiencing a major life stressor.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the diathesis-stress model: it explains how psychological disorders develop through the interaction of a predispositional vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stressors.
2. Identify the components in each option: look for a combination of an inherent vulnerability (like genetics) and an external stressor (like trauma or life events).
3. Evaluate the first option: inheriting a medical condition that manifests regardless of environment shows only vulnerability without stress interaction, so it does not fit the model.
4. Evaluate the second option: developing anxiety solely due to trauma without prior vulnerability shows stress without diathesis, so it does not fit the model.
5. Evaluate the last option: a person with a genetic predisposition (diathesis) develops symptoms after a major life stressor (stress), which perfectly illustrates the diathesis-stress model.