This approach states that schizophrenia is caused by reinforcement of observation which is learned, and explains why schizophrenia runs in the family. High risk factors for schizophrenic episodes are traumatic and stressful life events. These can be things such as the death of a relative or going through divorce. This is outlined within research. Brown and Birley (1968) found that prior to a schizophrenic episode, patients who had experienced schizophrenia reported twice as many stressful life events compared to the other (healthy) group.
- S - Not all research supports life events.
- E - Van Os et al (1994) reported no link between life events and the onset of schizophrenia.
- E - This goes against the theory that life events effect whether somebody has schizophrenic symptoms or not.
- L - This weakens the validity of the claim.
- S - There are methodological issues with the research within this claim.
- E - Most research supporting life events is correlational.
- E - This means that it is not clear if life events (such as divorce or losing a job) are the cause of the effect of schizophrenia.
- L - This also weakens the validity of the theory as there isn't a clear relationship.
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