The development of psychopathology stems from various factors, including biological, psychological, social, cultural, and interpersonal. The study of
this is ongoing, and there does not seem to be a definitive conclusion. Still, studies suggest a mix and match of the above factors that can lead to the development of
psychopathology.
According to Sadock et al., approximately 40 to 70 percent of cognition, temperament, and personality are linked to genetic factors. With the knowledge that
these also are affected by mental illness, there is reason to believe that genetics play a role in developing psychopathology (2015). Ledford reports genetic links to
depression that are promising, though still undergoing further research (2015). Polygenes are associated with externalizing problems in youth from gene
transmission (Butcher & Kendall, 2018). Research continues to find the specific genes linked with mental illness.
When looking at behavioral, developmental, and emotional factors, compelling research supports these factors contributing to psychopathology. A child’s
behavior can be impacted by even minor changes in their life circumstances. Mood and anxiety disorders that begin in childhood are often described as “gateways”
to mental health issues in adulthood (Butcher & Kendall, 2018). McGuire et al. report a seven-year study with veterans showing dispositional gratitude decreased Discussion: Factors That Influence the Development of Psychopathology
psychopathology development (2022). Psychological factors contribute to psychopathology.
Culture is also a significant factor. In some cultures, mental illness is not recognized or accepted. In other cultures, what the DSM-5 would diagnose as
a mental illness is seen as a spiritual possession (Cheung & Mak, 2018).
Butcher & Kendall explain the mismatch of factors stating genetics give the predisposition to psychopathology. Still, the environment that someone lives in
will shape which of those dispositions emerge (2018).
References
Butcher, J. N., & Kendall, P. C. (2018). Introduction to childhood and adolescent psychopathology. In APA handbook of psychopathology: Child and adolescent
psychopathology., Vol. 2. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000065-001
Cheung, F. M., & Mak, W. W. S. (2018). Sociocultural factors in psychopathology. In APA handbook of psychopathology: Psychopathology: Understanding,
assessing, and treating adult mental disorders., Vol. 1. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000064-006
Ledford, H. (2015). First robust genetic links to depression emerge. Nature, 523(7560). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/523268a
McGuire, A. P., Fagan, J. G., Tsai, J., Merians, A. N., Nichter, B., Norman, S. B., Southwick, S. M., & Pietrzak, R. H. (2022). Dispositional gratitude
predicts the development of psychopathology and suicidal behaviors: Results from a 7- year population-based study of U.S. military
veterans. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.02.028
Sadock, B. J., Sadock, V. A., & Ruiz, P. (2015). Kaplan & Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.