FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY – NRNP-6635 Week 1: Discussion Essay
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY – NRNP-6635 Week 1: Discussion Essay Sample 1
Main Discussion Post
Psychopathology, which helps clinicians explore mental health disorders and progress, is influenced by several factors, such as biological, psychological, social, and interpersonal factors. The theoretical perspective on psychopathology that a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) adopts significantly influences their approach to diagnosis, treatment, and patient interaction (Schultze-Lutter et al., 2018).
Biological Factors that Affect the Development of Psychopathology
Biological factors such as genetic predisposition and neuroscientific affect psychopathology because genetic predisposition plays a role in how many mental health disorders are developed. There is various research to support that genetics plays a role in conditions such as schizophrenia and other mental disorders due to the significant heritable components (Wilson & Rhee, 2022). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple genetic variants associated with psychiatric conditions such as ADHD, depression, and schizophrenia, meaning that genetic variations contribute to the risk of many mental health disorders (Waszczuk, 2022). Understanding these genetic influences helps psychiatric providers consider family history and genetic counseling in their practice. Research on neurobiology has provided insights into identifying structures of the brain associated with mental disorders, including depression and anxiety. For example, a reduction in the structural connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala has been linked with depression and anxiety. Neural patterns have also been used to predict future symptoms of depression and anxiety (Craske et al., 2023).
Psychological Factors that Affect the Development of Psychopathology
Several behavioral and cognitive theories explain how maladaptive behaviors can be learned and maintained and how thought patterns affect mental health, thus both affecting psychopathologies. Exposure to stressful or traumatic events can condition individuals to develop anxiety disorders. Studies during the COVID-19 period have shown the adverse effects of loneliness on physical and mental health that could affect psychopathology (Admon & Klavir, 2021). Cognitive theories focus on how thought patterns influence emotions and behaviors. Negative cognitive biases and distorted thinking patterns have been linked to depression and anxiety (Admon & Klavir, 2021).
An individual’s emotional regulation and developmental experiences significantly influence mental health and affect psychopathology. Studies support that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as abuse and neglect are linked to increased rates of substance abuse, anxiety, and depression (Zitzmann et al., 2024).
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Social, Cultural, and Interpersonal Factors
Social determinants of health, such as unemployment, education, socioeconomic status, and social support, are linked to higher rates of mental disorders throughout their lives. People in lower socioeconomic tiers often experience higher stress levels, limited access to healthcare, and increased exposure to violence, all of which contribute to the development of psychopathology. Studies support the association of mental health disorders with life circumstances (Kirkbride et al., 2024).
Culture affects psychopathology. Cultural background affects how individuals express, perceive, and cope, whether the individual seeks help or the course of mental illness. Cultural factors can also protect individuals from the development of mental health disorders (Guruje et al., 2020).
Interpersonal factors are also important in mental health and affect psychopathology. Poor quality and abusive relationships can contribute to the onset of mental disorders, while solid support systems can prevent mental health problems (Fleck et al., 2023). For example, the relationship between a parent or caregiver and a child significantly impacts the child’s development. It forms the basis for developing social and cognitive abilities, secure attachment, and physical and mental health. An individual’s interpersonal relationships can protect them from mental health issues or increase their risk of developing psychopathology (Fleck et al., 2023).
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) should keep in perspective the many factors that contribute to psychopathology and adopt them when assessing, diagnosing, treating, and even interacting with patients. The multifaceted nature of psychopathology emphasizes the need for PMHNPs to adopt an integrative approach in their clinical practice.
References
Admon, R., & Klavir, O. (2021). Cognitive and behavioral patterns across psychiatric conditions. Brain Sciences, 11(12), 1560. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11121560
Craske, M.G., Herzalleh, M.M., Nusslock, R., Patel, V. (2023). From neural circuits to communities: An integrative, multidisciplinary roadmap for global mental health. Nature Mental Health, 1, 12-24. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-022-00012-wLinks to an external site.
Fleck, L., Fuchs, A., & Kaess, M. (2023). The Significance of relationships in developmental. Psychopathology and Youth Mental Health. Psychopathology, 56(1-2), 5–7. https://doi.org/10.1159/000529417Links to an external site.
Gureje, O., Lewis-Fernandez, R., Hall, B. J., & Reed, G. M. (2020). Cultural considerations in the classification of mental disorders: Why and how in ICD-11. BMC Medicine, 18(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-020-1493-4
Kirkbride, J. B., Anglin, D. M., Colman, I., Dykxhoorn, J., Jones, P. B., Patalay, P., Pitman, A., Soneson, E., Steare, T., Wright, T., & Griffiths, S. L. (2024). The social determinants of mental health and disorder: evidence, prevention and recommendations. World Psychiatry: Official Journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 23(1), 58–90. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21160
Waszczuk, M.A. (2021). The utility of hierarchical models of psychopathology in genetics and biomarker research. World Psychiatry, 20: 65-66. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20811Links to an external site.
Wilson, S., & Rhee, S. H. (2022). Special issue editorial: Leveraging genetically informative study designs to understand the development and familial transmission of psychopathology. Development and Psychopathology, 34(5), 1645–1652. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579422000955
Schultze-Lutter, F., Schmidt, S. J., & Theodoridou, A. (2018). Psychopathology-a precision tool in need of re-sharpening. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 446. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00446Links to an external site.
Zitzmann, J., Rombold-George, L., Rosenbach, C., & Renneberg, B. (2024). Emotion regulation, parenting, and psychopathology: A systematic review. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 27(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-023-00452-5
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY – NRNP-6635 Week 1: Discussion Essay Sample 2
Week 1 Discussion: Factors That Influence the Development of Psychopathology
The development of psychopathology is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by a complex interplay of various factors, including biological, psychological, and social/cultural/interpersonal elements. Understanding the multidimensional nature of mental disorders is crucial for nurse practitioners (NPs) in providing comprehensive and effective care (Hennessy et al., 2022). This discussion explores the biological (genetic and neuroscientific), psychological (behavioral and cognitive processes, emotional, developmental), and social, cultural, and interpersonal factors that contribute to psychopathology’s expression, classification, diagnosis, and prevalence, highlighting the importance of an integrative approach.
Biological Factors
Genetic predispositions and neuroscientific findings play a significant role in the development of psychopathology. Genetic factors can increase an individual’s vulnerability to certain mental disorders. For instance, studies have shown that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder have a higher risk of developing these conditions (Boland et al., 2022). Specific gene variations and interactions have been linked to various mental disorders, such as the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and its association with depression and anxiety disorders (Boland et al., 2022).
Neuroscientific research has revealed that abnormalities in brain structure, function, and neurotransmitter systems can contribute to the manifestation of mental disorders. For example, imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine have been implicated in the development of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders (McNaughton, 2020). Structural and functional abnormalities in brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus have also been associated with various psychopathologies, including schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (McNaughton, 2020).
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors, encompassing behavioral and cognitive processes, emotional regulation, and developmental stages, significantly influence the development of psychopathology. Maladaptive thought patterns, such as negative self-talk, overgeneralization, and cognitive distortions, can perpetuate and exacerbate mental health issues like depression and anxiety disorders (Hennessy et al., 2022). Additionally, difficulties in regulating emotions and coping with stress can increase the risk of developing psychopathology (Hennessy et al., 2022). Individuals with poor emotion regulation strategies may resort to maladaptive behaviors, such as substance abuse or self-harm, as a means of coping with intense emotions.
Developmental factors also play a crucial role in the manifestation of mental disorders. Adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or trauma, can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s psychological and emotional well-being (Hennessy et al., 2022). These experiences can shape an individual’s perception of the world, interpersonal relationships, and coping mechanisms, increasing their vulnerability to psychopathology. Additionally, disruptions in attachment patterns and insecure attachment styles have been linked to the development of various mental disorders, including personality disorders and anxiety disorders.
Social, Cultural, and Interpersonal Factors
Social, cultural, and interpersonal factors play a crucial role in the development, expression, and perception of psychopathology. Societal stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues can exacerbate psychological distress and hinder individuals from seeking treatment (Hennessy et al., 2022). Cultural beliefs, norms, and values can influence the interpretation and expression of psychological distress and the acceptability of certain behaviors or symptoms (Hennessy et al., 2022). For example, somatic symptoms may be more readily acknowledged and accepted in some cultures than emotional or psychological symptoms.
Interpersonal factors, such as family dynamics, social support systems, and relationships, can either serve as protective factors or contribute to the development of psychopathology. Dysfunctional family environments, including poor communication, conflict, and lack of emotional support, have been associated with an increased risk of mental health problems (Hennessy et al., 2022). Conversely, strong social support networks and positive relationships can buffer against the detrimental effects of stress and adversity, promoting psychological resilience. Furthermore, socioeconomic factors, such as poverty, lack of access to health care, and exposure to violence or trauma, can contribute to the development and perpetuation of mental health issues (Hennessy et al., 2022). These factors can create chronic stress, limit access to resources and support systems, and exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.
References
Boland, R., Verduin, M. L. & Ruiz, P. (2022). Kaplan & Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry (12th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Hennessy, E., Heary, C., & Michail, M. (2022). Understanding youth mental health perspectives from theory and practice. Open Univ Press.
McNaughton N. (2020). Personality neuroscience and psychopathology: Should we start with biology and look for neural-level factors? Personality Neuroscience, 3, e4. https://doi.org/10.1017/pen.2020.5
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY – NRNP-6635 Week 1: Discussion Essay Sample 3
Factors that Influence the Development of Psychopathology – Discussion
Several factors play a significant role in the development of psychopathology. Psychopathology refers to the study of mental illness. Human beings are different. The variations in sequencing of the human genome contribute to the phenotypical differences and differences in susceptibility to diverse pathologies. Psychopathology can arise from complex etiological traits because of polygenic inheritance, locus heterogeneity, presence of phenocopies, and incomplete penetrance. Studies reveal that psychological, biological, social, and cultural factors can affect the development of psychopathology. An in-depth understanding of the development of a mental disorder simplifies the process of identifying the right intervention. The discussion explores the different factors that influence the development of psychopathology.
Biological Factors
The biological factors that influence the development of psychopathology mainly involve genetic and neuroscientific factors. Genome studies identify that mental health disorders are polygenic, which indicates a combination of rare variants of larger effects and several common variants of small effects. For instance, schizophrenia is a result of SNP variation (Smoller et al., 2019). In effect, specific genetic variations are associated with an increased risk of developing certain psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, psychiatric disorders are associated with neuroscientific factors that include brain chemistry, function, and structure. Neurotransmission has been associated with several mental illnesses. For instance, serotonin is significantly lower among people diagnosed with depression. The finding results in the identification that changes in neurotransmitters add to the complexity concerning the development of psychiatric disorders. Brain imaging studies have also been linked to psychopathology. For example, people with schizophrenia have different brain structures compared to other people. The changes are mainly evidenced in reduced gray matter, and total cerebrum volume with enlarged brain ventricles, including the cerebrospinal fluid fills the cavities.
Psychological Factors
Studies identify the correlation between emotional and social processing to psychiatric disorders. Attention biases, including positive and threat biases, contribute to the development of various psychiatric disorders. For example, children exhibiting attention biases to threat are more likely to possess anxiety symptoms with less effective emotion-regulation skills, and more social avoidance (Troller-Renfree et al., 2018). In contrast, children with positive biases tend to have adaptive emotion-regulation skills, approach behavior, and positive affect. Emotional factors are also associated with the development of mental disorders. The link between the deleterious effects of early psychosocial deprivation on social and cognitive behaviors shows that stress has an effect on the development of the brain. From this lens, the experiences during the early developmental stages might result in the development of psychiatric conditions. Studies also reveal that children who have a history of trauma with poor attachment styles are more likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders later in life (Troller-Renfree et al., 2018). Finally, emotional dysregulation is linked to difficulties in the management of one’s emotions, which can worsen one’s psychopathology. Such children might exhibit issues with managing their emotions or they can become extremely sensitive. FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY – NRNP-6635 Week 1: Discussion Essay
Social, Cultural, and Interpersonal Factors
Social, cultural, and interpersonal factors have a significant effect on the development of psychopathy. A myriad of social factors within one’s environment contribute to one having mental health issues. The social environment involves the existing societal dynamics, family dynamics, one’s socioeconomic status, education level, and social support. Having adequate resources, such as being employed and having social support are closely associated with positive psychiatric development. Nonetheless, experiencing social stressors, such as a lack of financial resources or exposure to stigmatization or discrimination is linked to the development of psychopathy (Lebowitz, & Appelbaum, 2019). Moreover, the culture of a patient and cultural experiences affect psychopathy. One’s culture defines how they view the world. Culture describes a shared set of values, norms, and beliefs. Cultural context affects how people view things in life ranging from responses to psychological distress. They also affect how one interprets and views mental illnesses and the accompanying symptoms. Culture can also affect whether an individual seeks help when diagnosed with mental health disorders, which can reduce the development of other mental issues. Studies have also revealed that interpersonal relationships have a significant effect on mental health. Interpersonal relationships are evidenced based on how one interacts with peers, the family dynamics, and how one navigates romantic relationships. Having healthy relationships translates into positive mental health effects. However, lack of social support and poor relationships can exacerbate psychopathology.
Conclsion
Psychopathology is multifaceted. The development of psychopathology is highly influenced by a myriad of factors, including biological, psychosocial, social, cultural, and interpersonal factors. However, it is essential to understand that the interaction between these factors has a major effect on psychopathology. Consequently, comprehending the interplay between these factors and the contribution of individual factors in the development of psychopathology aids in the identification of the most effective intervention. Thus, an understanding of the factors associated with the development of psychology fosters the adoption of a holistic approach, which addresses the diverse dimensions.
References
Lebowitz, M. S., & Appelbaum, P. S. (2019). Biomedical Explanations of Psychopathology and Their Implications for Attitudes and Beliefs about Mental Disorders. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 15, 555–577. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050718-095416Links to an external site.
Smoller, J. W., Andreassen, O. A., Edenberg, H. J., Faraone, S. V., Glatt, S. J., & Kendler, K. S. (2019). Psychiatric genetics and the structure of psychopathology. Molecular Psychiatry, 24(3), 409–420. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-017-0010-4Links to an external site.
Troller-Renfree, S., Zeanah, C. H., Nelson, C. A., & Fox, N. A. (2018). Neural and Cognitive Factors Influencing the Emergence of Psychopathology: Insights From the Bucharest Early Intervention Project. Child Development Perspectives, 12(1), 28–33. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12251Links to an external site. FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY – NRNP-6635 Week 1: Discussion Essay
