Answer to Question 1
Vulnerability has to do with a factor, or set of factors, that increases a person's susceptibility to stress. People with low vulnerability need to experience more stress before they become distressed, whereas people with high vulnerability need much less stress to reach their tipping point to distress. Researchers have determined a number of factors that impact vulnerability, including the following: genetics, coping style, thinking style, environment, and social skills.
Answer to Question 2
Evidence from family studies, particularly studies involving twins, seems to show a strong genetic element. One aspect of a person's vulnerability is related to his or her genetic makeup. However, this is not the whole story. Vulnerability is affected by other factors including coping style, thinking style, environment, and social skills.