Superiority of combining psychopathology and the second-generation cognitive science: a discussion of Kristopher Nielsen's pluralist approach.
Frontiers in psychology January 1, 2025 Yaming Shang, Da Dong, Qingming Liu et al.
A critical examination of Kristopher Nielsen's 3E framework—embodied, embedded, and enactive—shows how second-generation cognitive science offers a more comprehensive and ecologically valid perspective on mental disorders by emphasizing the dynamic interplay among brain, body, and environment. The framework challenges traditional conceptual models and addresses their limitations. The article proposes future research directions that underscore pluralism in explaining mental disorders and explore integrating extended cognition. These theoretical developments refine classification and explanatory methodologies, inform evidence-based treatment strategies, and aim to advance psychopathology toward a more integrated, inclusive, and practice-oriented field.