The network approach to psychopathology: a review of the literature 2008–2018 and an agenda for future research. Issue 3 (26th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robinaugh, Donald J.; Hoekstra, Ria H. A.; Toner, Emma R.; Borsboom, Denny
• Is Part Of: Psychological medicine. Volume 50:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 353
• Page End: 366
• Publication Date: 2020-02-26
• Subjects: Causal systems, -- network approach, -- network psychometrics, -- network theory, -- psychopathology, -- symptom networks; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; Clinical psychology -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1017/S0033291719003404
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-2917

Abstract

Abstract: The network approach to psychopathology posits that mental disorders can be conceptualized and studied as causal systems of mutually reinforcing symptoms. This approach, first posited in 2008, has grown substantially over the past decade and is now a full-fledged area of psychiatric research. In this article, we provide an overview and critical analysis of 363 articles produced in the first decade of this research program, with a focus on key theoretical, methodological, and empirical contributions. In addition, we turn our attention to the next decade of the network approach and propose critical avenues for future research in each of these domains. We argue that this program of research will be best served by working toward two overarching aims: (a) the identification of robust empirical phenomena and (b) the development of formal theories that can explain those phenomena. We recommend specific steps forward within this broad framework and argue that these steps are necessary if the network approach is to develop into a progressive program of research capable of producing a cumulative body of knowledge about how specific mental disorders operate as causal systems.