Discussion Replies

Respond to at least two of your colleagues by explaining the implications of why, as an advanced practice nurse, it is important to adopt a multidimensional, integrative model of psychopathology. Use a minimum of 2 CURRENT scholarly outside resources. Please be thorough and use evidence-based research in your responses. 

1) Post by Evel Han N

Factors that Influence the Development of Psychopathology

           Psychopathology is a broad term used to refer to various scientific aspects of mental disorder studies. According to Smith et al. (2020), psychopathology explores a wide range of topics on mental health, including classification, development, causes, behaviors, and others. The field also covers concepts of as genetics, biology, social factors, and psychological effects of psychiatry.

Biological Factors

           The main biological factors that influence the development of psychopathology include genetic and neuroscientific factors. In the context of genetic factors, the nucleus of cells houses the human DNA, which has genes that affect several facets of the morphological and behavioral characteristics (Wainberg et al., 2022). The building blocks for proteins are found in genes. An element of polygenic inheritance contributes to mental illnesses. Vulnerability is influenced by multiple genes, which interact with environmental, psychological, and cultural factors. The phenotype is the visible result, which can vary depending on environmental interactions and other circumstances, whereas the genotype is the particular combination of genes that cause outcomes. Heritability, polygenic effects, gene-environment interactions, and epigenetic alterations are some of the ways that genetic variables contribute to behavioral disorders.

           The aspect of neurotransmitters is responsible for sending messages between nerve cells, or neurons, in neural communication. According to Wainberg et al. (2022), neurotransmitter imbalances can affect behavior, mood, and thought processes. Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are the main neurotransmitters that affect stress reactions and attentiveness. The prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala are important brain regions that are involved in memory, decision-making, and emotional processing. Within the endocrine system, mood and stress reactions are influenced by hormones secreted by glands.

Psychological Factors

           The psychological factors affecting the development of psychopathology are; behavioral and cognitive processes, emotional, and developmental factors. According to Lynch et al. (2021), behavioral and cognitive processes are based on behavioral theories on learning and conditioning suggesting that learned associations may give birth to psychopathology. For instance, anxiety or phobias may result from classical conditioning that links a distressing event to particular triggers. Operant conditioning uses rewards or punishments to modify behavior. However, psychopathology is partly caused by cognitive processes that lead to erroneous thought patterns. Catastrophizing or thinking in black and white are examples of cognitive distortions that can make anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder worse. Emotional factors impact the development of psychopathology through emotional regulation, trauma, and emotional resilience (Lynch et al., 2021). Developmental factors include attachment styles such as neglect and abuse, early childhood experiences such as anxiety and avoidance, and adolescence including identity formation, peer interactions, and hormonal changes.

Social, Cultural, and Interpersonal Factors

           Social factors lie in the mental health problems that may be exacerbated by social rejection or isolation. According to Fonagy et al. (2022), stress and vulnerability might result from marginalization or discrimination based on social identity. In the aspect of cultural factors, Diverse cultural viewpoints exist on symptoms, coping strategies, and behaviors related to requesting assistance. These elements affect the trajectories of normal and aberrant behavior at the individual and social levels. In the aspect of interpersonal factors, while insecure connection can exacerbate anxiety or depression, stable attachment builds resilience. Friendship problems or tense family relationships can exacerbate psychopathology. Vulnerability to mental disorders might be influenced by coping with life transitions. 

2) Post by Rosem Ndik-A 

Factors That Influence the Development of Psychopathology

Psychopathology is the exploration of problems linked to mental health, starting from research to treatment, including every step involved in the process. Early health development, which incorporates physical, social, emotional, as well as cognitive development strongly influence individuals’ well-being in later life, in terms of mental health, literacy, cardiovascular health, and participation in economic activities across the life span. However, several factors tend to influence the development of psychopathology in individuals.  

Biological Factors

Biological factors that influence psychopathology include genetics and neuroscientific components. Numerous research studies have been undertaken to ascertain whether genetics or environmental factors may have a significant influence on individuals’ behavior. The results are that genetic factors collaborate with environmental factors to influence how individuals behave, including molding the neural circuits that underpin behavior (Perlstein & Waller, 2022). The brain structure, neurotransmitters, as well as endocrine system, are components of biological factors that influence the development of psychiatric conditions. The way individuals manage to control their tempers and maintain their personalities are the results of genetic factors.

Psychological Factors

Psychological factors describe individuals in terms of their social environment, as well as how such factors contribute to physical and mental health. Psychological factors include stress, thoughts, emotions, as well as behaviors, which interfere with an individual’s physical health. Psychological problems often emerge during an outbreak of a serious pandemic such as coronavirus, leading to stressful work environment, poor social support, quarantine, social isolation, and poor coping mechanisms (Philip & Cherian, 2020). Such factors have an influence on the development of mental illnesses, as they are likely to cause worry, frustration, despair, low self-esteem, tension, and fear.  Being neglected, loss of a close family member, and inability to relate well with others can lead to mental health disorders.

Social, Cultural, and Interpersonal Factors

Social factors that influence the development of mental disorders include substance use, relationship problems, family conflicts, financial constraints, and unemployment. Earl childhood adverse experiences, food insecurity, poor housing, unemployment and low levels of education may lead to poor mental health and recover (Gnanapragasam et al., 2023). Financial problems are linked to poor treatment outcomes, as individuals who are financially unstable are less likely to seek treatment interventions or make follow ups after seeking treatment for the first time. When an individual demonstrates acts that are beyond what is perceived as socially normal, he or she is said to be mentally challenged.

Culture influences how individuals describe or feel about mental disorders. Cultural beliefs and values contribute to mental illnesses through rendering some groups to be more vulnerable than others. Besides, cultural beliefs and practices may interfere with coping mechanisms, leading to distress and conflicts, which cause mental health disorders. According to Gureje et al. (2020), understanding of cultural issues within the global context can assist mental health practitioners to make informed decisions concerning patients’ conditions, in addition to negotiating for appropriate care based on their cultural preferences.

Interpersonal factors impact how individuals interact among themselves, and include cultural norms, societal expectations, and personality traits. According to Trolio et al. (2021), interpersonal factors, which include the failure to cope with negative emotions, may contribute to impairments in terms of social interactions, leading to mental health disorders such as eating disorders, substance abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression. Poor and unsatisfying interpersonal relationships may lead to more emotional distress, and higher rates of depression, as individuals may feel stressed for failing to attain certain goals in their relationships or careers.