2024/11/08 by Lea Schumacher, Levente Kriston · 1 voice
Arts and Humanities · Psychology · #Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development #Mental Health Research Topics #Mental Health and Psychiatry
paper · pdf · doi:10.31234/osf.io/462cs
openalex publication_date 2024/11/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/14
The network theory proposes to conceptualize mental disorders as networks of interacting symptoms. While clinical expertise could offer a valuable perspective on this theory and its applications, little is known about mental health professionals´ attitudes. In an online survey, mental health professionals rated their agreement with propositions of the network theory and evaluated the acceptability and appropriateness of possible applications. The 257 participating mental health professionals largely agreed with the network theory’s proposition regarding the phenomenology of mental disorders and regarding treatment effects. Appraisal of the network theory regarding the aetiology, regarding important treatment targets and regarding acceptability and appropriateness of possible applications was mixed. A background in cognitive behavioural therapy, and previous knowledge of the network theory were positively associated with agreement. The core assumptions of the network approach seem to resonate with mental health professionals, while consequences for the diagnosis and treatment for mental disorders were questioned.