Question

According to the diathesis-stress model, which of the following people is most likely to become depressed?

a)Jane, who as a child experienced both neglect and abuse but who currently has a stable family and job situation.
b)Johanna, who had a pleasant childhood but who currently experiences high amounts of stress at home and at work.
c)Janice, who experienced abuse as a child and who recently was laid off from her job.
d)Jennifer, who has a stable personality but who has been going through an ugly divorce.

Answer 1

Janice is most likely to become depressed according to the diathesis-stress model because she has both a significant underlying vulnerability from child abuse and a recent stressor from job loss, aligning with research that early life stressors contribute to depression risk.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the diathesis-stress model, a person's likelihood to develop depression can be anticipated by considering their underlying vulnerability (diathesis) combined with their exposure to stressful life events. The model posits that both biological and environmental predispositions contribute to the development of mental disorders like depression when coupled with significant stress.

Among the individuals described, Janice, who experienced abuse as a child and who recently was laid off from her job, is most likely to become depressed. Janice's past experiences with abuse represent a significant diathesis, and the recent job loss would serve as a substantial stressor, thus contributing to a higher risk of depression based on the diathesis-stress perspective.

It's important to note that this model highlights the interactive and cumulative nature of stress and predispositions toward depression. Research has consistently supported the notion that early life stressors, such as child abuse, significantly contribute to the likelihood of developing depression later in life (Nanni, Uher, & Danese, 2012).