Final answer:
The Diathesis-Stress Model explains that psychological problems are often the outcome of the interaction between an individual's vulnerability and environmental stress. It is a widely accepted framework in psychology that incorporates both biological and environmental perspectives on the development of psychological disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Diathesis-Stress Model is a psychological framework that posits that psychological problems are the result of the interaction between a pre-existing vulnerability (the diathesis) and environmental stressors. The model suggests that individuals possess vulnerabilities for certain psychological disorders that may remain dormant until activated by stress, leading to the manifestation of the disorder. This perspective emphasizes the importance of both inherent susceptibility and stressful experiences in the development of psychological issues.
In the context of health psychology and psychophysiology, stress is recognized for its profound impact on both mental and physical health. Chronic or extreme stress can lead to an array of psychological disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder, and it has been linked to physical illnesses and diseases, including cardiovascular disorders and asthma.
Building upon the work of researchers like Robert Sapolsky and the findings regarding cardiovascular health and genetic predispositions to illness, the Diathesis-Stress Model provides a comprehensive understanding of how psychological problems may arise. It bridges the gap between biology and environment, acknowledging the complexity of psychological health and the multifactorial nature of many disorders.