Module 3.1.2: Necessary, Sufficient, and Contributory Causes Flashcards
Etiology
causal pattern of abnormal behavior
Necessary cause
(X) is a characteristic that MUST exist for a disorder (Y) to occur; if Y occurs, then X must have preceded it
EXAMPLE: Huntington’s chorea (Y) can only develop if the person has the necessary gene (X)
Sufficient Cause
a condition that guarantees the occurrence of a disorder; if X occurs, then Y will also occur
EXAMPLE: A theory hypothesizes that hopelessness (X) is a sufficient cause of depression (Y)
Can sufficient causes also be necessary causes?
No. A sufficient cause may not be a necessary cause; e.g. hopelessness is not a necessary cause of depression but it has been theorized to be a sufficient cause for depression.
Contributory Causes
a cause that increases the probability of a disorder developing but is neither necessary nor sufficient for the disorder to occur; if X occurs, then the probability of Y occurring increases
EXAMPLE: Parental rejection could increase the probability that a child will later have difficulty in handling close personal relationships or could increase the probability that being rejected in a relationship in adulthood will precipitate depression – this is neither necessary or sufficient
What is another factor that should be considered for risk factors?
Time frame
What are the risk factors that concern time frame?
- Distal Risk Factors
- Proximal Risk Factors
- Reinforcing Contributory Cause
Distal Risk Factors
causal factors occurring relatively early in life that may not show their effects for many years
EXAMPLE: loss of a parent early in life, or having abusive or neglectful parents as a child or adolescent, may serve as a distal contributory cause predisposing a person to depression or antisocial behaviors later in life
Proximal Risk Factors
factors that operate shortly before the occurrence of the symptoms of a disorder; may be a condition that proves too much for a child or adult and triggers the onset of a disorder; in other cases, these might involve biological changes such as damage to certain parts of the left hemisphere of the brain which can lead to depression
EXAMPLE: a crushing disappointment at school or work or severe difficulties with a school friend or a marital partner are examples of more proximal factors that could lead to depression
Reinforcing Contributory Cause
a condition that tends to maintain maladaptive behavior that is ALREADY occurring
EXAMPLE: Extra attention, sympathy, and relief from wanted responsibility that may come when a person is ill; these pleasant experiences may unintentionally discourage recovery
What is not yet clear for psychologists with regard to necessary, sufficient, and reinforcing contributory causes?
Psychologists DO NOT yet have a clear understanding of whether there are necessary or sufficient causes, although answering this question remains the goal of much current research
What is clear for psychologists with regard to necessary, sufficient, and reinforcing contributory causes?
Psychologists DO have a good understanding of many of the risk factors for most forms of psychopathology
How do proximal and distal risk factors interact with each other?
Proximal risk factor for a problem at one stage in life may also serve as a distal risk factor that sets up a predisposition for another disorder later in life.
EXAMPLE: The death of a parent can be a proximal risk factor of a child’s subsequent grief reaction which might last a few months or a year; however, the parent’s death may also serve as a distal risk factor that increases the probability that when the child grows up, he or she will become depressed in response to certain stressors
