Focus: Languages, methods, and clinical reflections
Vol. 36 No. 3 (2025)
Are none, some, or all disorders interpersonal?
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Published: 23 December 2025
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The objective of this paper is to analyze three different hypotheses on the role of the interpersonal domain in psychopathology: specifically, whether none, some, or all disorders should be considered interpersonal. In evaluating these three theoretical positions, I present a general thesis and an antithesis for each, aiming to bolster an interpersonal perspective in psychotherapy. This perspective draws on principles formulated almost a century ago by Harry Stack Sullivan. Finally, I discuss an evolutionarily informed synthesis of all these theses and antitheses. My proposed conclusion is that the history of our species, general human functioning, and thus mental health and psychopathology, have always and distinctly evolved socially. Implications for conceptualization and treatment are discussed.
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How to Cite
Are none, some, or all disorders interpersonal?. (2025). Ricerca Psicoanalitica, 36(3). https://doi.org/10.4081/rp.2025.1095
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