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This commentary discusses the concept of the p-factor as a reflection of developmental vulnerabilities in psychopathology.

May 24, 2026

Rethinking the p-factor: A model of cumulative risk aggregation across development—Commentary on Caspi et al. (2026).

Key Points

This commentary discusses the concept of the p-factor as a reflection of developmental vulnerabilities in psychopathology.
Analysis of the p-factor concept as presented by Caspi et al.
Examination of the implications of the p-factor for mental health models and approaches.
The p-factor may indicate more than statistical covariance; it suggests a deeper developmental vulnerability.
Supports the use of integrative models for understanding psychopathology.
Encourages transdiagnostic and network-based prediction and prevention methods.

Abstract

Comments on the article by Caspi et al. (see record 2026-80066-001). The general psychopathology factor, or p-factor, has emerged as a latent structure capturing shared liability across mental disorders. However, it may reflect more than statistical covariance and instead index a developmental vulnerability architecture, an emergent feature shaped by genetic, social, and environmental interactions over time. Viewed in this way, the p-factor represents the trace of a deeper risk process unfolding across generations. This perspective supports integrative models of psychopathology and motivates transdiagnostic, network-based approaches to prediction and prevention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Rethinking the p-factor: A model of cumulative risk aggregation across development—Commentary on Caspi et al. (2026).

Key Points

Abstract

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