From ice to soil
In 1977, two psychologists named Joseph Zubin and Bonnie Spring came up with a model that they believed could explain why some people develop schizophrenia. The model was based on the interaction between two key variables present in every person: biological vulnerability and environmental stressors. Although the model was initially developed to explain schizophrenia, it has since been used to analyze the development of a wide range of mental disorders. It is not popular with all psychologists, however.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.
The model was first developed in 1977 by psychologists Joseph Zubin and Bonnie Spring. They were looking for a way to explain why some people suffer from schizophrenia.
Despite being developed for a specific purpose, the stress-vulnerability model has since become a popular tool for explaining why a wide range of psychiatric conditions occur.
The model is not without its critics, however. In particular, the stress-vulnerability model has come under fire for overemphasizing the role of genetics on a person's mental health.
By contrast, someone who is biologically more vulnerable–perhaps due to a family history of mental illness or prenatal complications–would need to meet a lower threshold of stress.
In other words, biologically vulnerable people are more likely to become easily affected by their environmental stressors. Therefore, they may start to show symptoms as a result.
As previously mentioned, not all psychologists are fans of the stress-vulnerability model, despite its relative ubiquity in the field.
A key criticism leveled at the theory is that the focus on biological vulnerability is disempowering for many people suffering from mental illness.
Indeed, it is understandable that someone battling mental illness may lose hope if they were to learn that their struggles were largely a result of their genetics.
On the other hand, some individuals may find it reassuring to learn that their biology is at least partly responsible for their mental health issues.
Either way, it is important to note that so-called "protective factors" can help reduce both stress and biological vulnerability, thereby reducing the risk of mental illness.
Examples of protective factors include having a strong support system filled with individuals who communicate in a healthy way, engage in a healthy lifestyle, follow a structured daily routine, and live a low stress lifestyle.
A good way to start is by assessing the current points of stress in your life. Then, one can look at the community resources available to help alleviate that burden.
If you are in this situation, you may consider looking into a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. These offer weekly fruit and vegetable boxes, sometimes at a steep discount.
It is also a good idea to assess your support system. Look at the people around you and work out whether you can really rely on them and whether they make you feel supported.
If you are feeling undersupported by others (perhaps you are always there for your friends, but they don't often show up for you), it may be time to look elsewhere.
Support or therapy groups are a great option if you are looking to prioritize your healing while also building closeness and community with others.
Finally, pursuing your hobbies is also an important protective factor. If all you do is work, eat, and sleep, it may be time to shake things up.
For some people, creating art is a helpful emotional outlet. Other people find that exercise or team sports help them.
Regardless of the hobby you choose, be sure to work out how best to lean into it, so that it has the maximum possible benefit for your sense of calm.
Sources: (Verywell Mind) (My Good Brain)
What is the stress-vulnerability model?
The theory as to why mental health disorders develop
HEALTH Mental health
In 1977, two psychologists named Joseph Zubin and Bonnie Spring came up with a model that they believed could explain why some people develop schizophrenia. The model was based on the interaction between two key variables present in every person: biological vulnerability and environmental stressors. Although the model was initially developed to explain schizophrenia, it has since been used to analyze the development of a wide range of mental disorders. It is not popular with all psychologists, however.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.