The developmental explanation of psychopathology with regard to the roles of family and culture

Two questions should be considered simultaneously to explain psychopathology: “to what extent do psychological dysfunctions reflect the overall effects of development in childhood and adolescence? And to what extent do they reflect the socio-environmental factors?” Furthermore, which child’s environment should be considered when examining the socio-environmental factors, family, mesosystem and social groups, or macrosystem and culture? In this review article, it has been tried to provide appropriate answers to these questions by reviewing existing literature. Finally, developmental explanation of psychopathology has been presented with regard to the roles of family and culture from the perspective open system theory.