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How Does the DiAThesis Model Reduce Anxiety?

Diathesis Stress Model

The diathesis-stress model, also referred to as the contextual vulnerability concept, is an environmental theory which attempts to describe a mental disorder, or its course, as the result of a causal interaction between an internal predisposition, the diathesis stressor, and life experiences. In this theory the internal stressor is conceptualized as a threat, which precludes the full expression of coping strategies in the form of healthy coping responses. The external stressor is then viewed as having little or no effect on a particular person, but has potential to cause severe or even fatal psychological damage if not dealt with in a reasonable manner. This article will focus on exploring the theoretical underpinnings of the diathesis stressor and how they relate to the models of stress and anxiety treatment commonly used in the treatment of stress related disorders.

The underlying premise of the diathesis-stress model is that there are three potential sources of psychological disease; internal, external and cumulative. Internal disorder is considered to be any physical or mental illness, whereas external disorder refers to situations or occurrences which create or heighten the emotional level of risk for developing the disorder. Curing the internal disorder is believed to require targeting the illness itself. This is opposed to treating the symptoms, which is believed to provide short term relief. It is therefore important for people suffering from internal illnesses to target their illness as well as the underlying stressors that are causing or heightening the symptoms.

The third category is considered the cumulative effect of the preceding two forms. This category can include many different types of disorders such as schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Although it is not considered a psychological disease it can still disrupt everyday life. The diathesis-stress model believes that anxiety disorders are a result of the accumulation of internal and external stressors over time. These stressors can include anything from childhood trauma to a death in the family. The accumulation of stress can then lead to the development of phobias, panic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, depression, irritability, chronic fatigue and many other types of disorders.

The premise of the stress model is that we all have the predisposition to whatever it is we are prone to. For example, certain diseases such as diabetes are genetically linked to diabetics. Therefore, those who have a greater likelihood of developing these conditions are also more prone to experiencing increased levels of anxiety in times of stress or in anticipation of a stressful event. People with diabetes are also more prone to environmental factors which can increase their vulnerability to these diseases. These environmental factors can include low self-esteem, high stress levels, poor diet and sedentary lifestyle.

The environmental factors which can increase the susceptibility to a person's stress include substance abuse, unemployment, poor education, poverty and physical and mental health. It has been found that almost 60% of adults over the age of twenty have some form of psychological disorder and many of them are experiencing a form of anxiety at some time. When looking at the causes of anxiety, we see that there are three primary sources. These are genetics, early life experiences and unresolved stress. If any one of these sources of anxiety is present or accounted for, it will lead to a greater likelihood of a particular psychological disorder.

One can define a typical situation as an extreme circumstance that creates a great deal of stress or anxiety for the individual. In this way, it is believed that there are three types of stressors, which are psychological, environmental and biological. The specific biological stressors that can contribute to a person's vulnerability are: genetic, early life experiences and unresolved psychological issues.

In terms of genetics, some illnesses such as anxiety may cause or increase the likelihood of developing various types of psychological disorders. For example, people who suffer from a traumatic event such as the death of a loved one or losing a job or relationship may cause an increased vulnerability to depression or other related disorders. Similarly, living with a painful physical illness such as cancer or heart disease can be a catalyst or trigger for a range of emotional and mental health concerns. When you add together any of these common illnesses along with the stressors that most people experience, you may find that you have a very complex set of circumstances that can lead to further emotional and mental health problems.

In terms of environmental stressors, these typically occur during times of transition, crisis or sudden change in life. This type of stress is considered chronic since it continues long after the initial event or incident that causes it. While this type of stress is recognized as having a greater potential for causing psychological disorder or illness, the DiAThesis Stress Model proposes that there exists a much smaller and more controllable environmental factor that can actually bring about a greater level of stress or anxiety than previously thought.

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