Discussion: Factors That Influence the Development of Psychopathology
Explain the biological (genetic and neuroscientific); psychological (behavioral and cognitive processes, emotional, developmental); and social, cultural, and interpersonal factors that influence the development of psychopathology.
Factors Influencing the Development of Psychopathology
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Factors Influencing the Development of Psychopathology
Introduction
Psychopathology is influenced by several factors, including biological, psychological, sociocultural, and interpersonal factors. Regarding biological (genetic and neuroscientific) factors, individual differences in genetic traits have a significant role in psychopathological processes (Perez-Edgar & Fox, 2018). Genes control people’s traits, IQ, and behaviors. Additionally, one’s response to stress impacts their psychological functioning. Imbalances of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, and serotonin often lead to psychological problems.
Psychological factors also have significant impacts on the psychopathological status of people. Psychological influences are issues that affect emotions, behavior, and life experiences (Butcher et al., 2018). Difficulty coping with stress, susceptibility to uncontrollable emotions, illogical fears, and psychological underdevelopment can lead to psychopathology. For example, a lack of sufficient development in the superego may result in irrational thoughts and actions (Perez-Edgar & Fox, 2018). All these psychological aspects play a role in the processes of psychopathology.
Last but not least, social, cultural, and interpersonal factors also have a significant role in developing psychopathology. Sociocultural factors include a wider area of issues affecting people from families and friends to workplaces, national policies, and the world as a whole (Masten & Kalstabakken, 2018). For example, discrimination by family, friends, or ethnic or racial bases has a significant impact on psychopathological developments. Additionally, cultural beliefs may define how one reasons, thinks, and perceives issues (Masten & Kalstabakken, 2018). Cultural or religious beliefs may make specific individuals reason irrationally. Therefore, it is important to understand everyone when interacting to identify the source of their psychopathological manifestations (Masten & Kalstabakken, 2018). Underhanging each other will make it easier to help those experiencing psychological problems.
References
Butcher, J. N., & American Psychological Association. (2018). APA handbook of psychopathology. American Psychological Association.
Masten, A. S., & Kalstabakken, A. W. (2018). Developmental perspectives on psychopathology in children and adolescents. Child and adolescent psychopathology. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000065-002
Perez-Edgar, K., & In Fox, N. A. (2018). Behavioral inhibition: Integrating theory, research, and clinical perspectives. Springer.