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Psychological tool - The stress-vulnerability model, otherwise known as the diathesis-stress model, is a psychological tool that is sometimes used to explain why a mental health disorder develops.

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Two factors - According to the theory, there are two main factors that can cause someone to develop a mental health disorder: biological vulnerability, and stress.

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Decades-old -

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.

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Many applications -

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.

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Critics -

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.

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How it works - Let's take a look at how the theory works. As previously mentioned, it suggests that there are two variables to consider when it comes to the likelihood of mental illness.

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Biological vulnerability - The first is biological vulnerability. This encompasses everything from having a family history of mental disorders, to having experienced trauma or adversity as a child.

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Stress - The second is stress. This includes any life event that could be considered stressful, such as losing a loved one, experiencing substance abuse issues, or being let go from a job.

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On a spectrum - Both these variables exist on a spectrum. How they interact with one another determines whether someone may struggle with their mental health.

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Low level of biological vulnerability - According to the model, someone with a low level of biological vulnerability would likely have to experience a significant amount of stress before they start showing symptoms of mental illness.

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High level of biological vulnerability -

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.

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Simply put -

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.

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Criticisms -

As previously mentioned, not all psychologists are fans of the stress-vulnerability model, despite its relative ubiquity in the field.

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Main concern -

A key criticism leveled at the theory is that the focus on biological vulnerability is disempowering for many people suffering from mental illness.

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Disempowerment -

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.

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In other cases -

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.

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Protective factors -

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.

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Examples -

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.

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Boosting your protective factors - Whether you think you may be at high risk of developing mental illness or not, it is always a good idea to boost your protective factors.

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Assess the stressors -

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.

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Food insecurity - For example, in the current economic climate, many people are struggling financially. Food insecurity is a stressor for many more people than before.

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CSA programs -

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.

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Support systems -

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.

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Feeling undersupported? -

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.

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Support groups -

Support or therapy groups are a great option if you are looking to prioritize your healing while also building closeness and community with others.

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Hobbies -

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.

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Examples -

For some people, creating art is a helpful emotional outlet. Other people find that exercise or team sports help them.

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Maximizing the benefit -

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)

See also: These are the most stressful cities in the US

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