According to the diathesis-stress model, schizophrenia develops from which of the following?

• A. exposure to chronic stress alone
• B. an interaction between genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors
• C. a lack of social support during childhood
• D. the presence of only biological factors

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the diathesis-stress model, which explains how psychological disorders develop through the interaction of a predispositional vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stressors.
2. Identify that 'diathesis' refers to a genetic or biological vulnerability that makes an individual more susceptible to developing a disorder like schizophrenia.
3. Recognize that 'stress' refers to environmental factors or life events that can trigger the onset of the disorder in someone who already has the vulnerability.
4. Analyze each option to see if it reflects this interaction: exposure to chronic stress alone lacks the genetic component; lack of social support is an environmental factor but not necessarily linked to genetic vulnerability; presence of only biological factors ignores environmental triggers.
5. Conclude that the correct understanding is that schizophrenia develops from an interaction between genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors, consistent with the diathesis-stress model.