The most common explanatory model for mental disorders in clinical
psychology is the stress-vulnerability model (Zubin & Spring, 1977). This model
postulates that the primary cause of schizophrenia is the psychobiological
vulnerability, early determined by genetic and environmental factors (e.g. obstetric
complications), which can potentially be precipitated by stress. Once the disease
has developed, stressful environmental events (i.e. life events or interpersonal
conflicts) directly affect this biological vulnerability, precipitating relapses.
Following this model’s premises, coping skills, social support or interpersonal skills
can in fact reduce the effect of these life events on the individual who is suffering
from the disease.