Network theory of psychopathology

Borsboom proposes that mental disorders are not latent entities but networks of mutually activating symptoms. A paradigm shift in conceptualizing psychopathology.

Classifying mental disorders is inherently difficult because psychopathology does not respect neat boundaries. The debate between categorical and dimensional models reflects a fundamental tension in psychiatry: the practical need for clear diagnoses to guide treatment versus the scientific recognition that the psychopathological spectrum is continuous.

The 2010s were the era of open science, the replication crisis, and data democratization. Psychology reinvented its methods and emerged as a leader in science reform. Meanwhile, social media transformed human relationships and raised new questions about mental health.

Significance: This milestone significantly contributed to the development of psychology as a science and profession, influencing research, clinical practice, or public policy.