Biosocial theory of psychopathology: A three by three factor model

Abstract

Summary and conclusion

An effort has been made in this paper to describe a broad based theoretical scheme for understanding emotional disorders in mentally retarded individuals. Incorporating research from a broad group of professionals and researchers is stressed, and some efforts to point out where additional research can further clarify the postulates noted here were made. Although the emphasis has been on the mentally retarded, it is likely that the implications of this view of psychopathology have credence for other populations as well.

It cannot be stressed enough that those who propose theoretical models should also be willing to conduct many experimental studies as a means of supporting or refuting claims, and as a means of further clarifying theories that have been proposed. Efforts of this sort have rarely been the case and may be due to the long term dedication and hard work required. The work of Ellis, and Zeamon and House, who have conducted research on memory and learning strategies, are two of the welcome but rare exceptions to this criticism in the general literature. Similarly, Zigler and Menolasceno's efforts provide fine examples of how theoretical models might be empirically validated.

The hypotheses in this theory have been made in a loosely constructed descriptive fashion to take into account a broad array of research, and to allow for later modifications based on the findings that emerge from studies on the topic. It is stressed that a link must be drawn between etiology, assessment, and treatment, if a model with maximum practical benefit is to emerge. This situation can only happen when information and developments from various disciplines and empirically supported theoretical views are synthesized.