Stress-Vulnerability Model of Mental Illness

Stress-Vulnerability Model of Mental Illness theorizes that some people have genetic vulnerability to mental illness. However, stressors, drug use, medication and coping strategies play a role in how severe those symptoms become and how much they interfere with someone’s life. Crisis interveners can help by reminding or helping the person in crisis to use coping skills.

Diagram of how stressors, drug use, medication and coping strategies relate to vulnerability to mental illness

The theory was posited by Zubin J. and Spring, B. (1977) Vulnerability-a new view of schizophrenia. Journal of Abnormal Psychology Vol 86 No. 2 pp. 103-124.