Abstract
We review the dominant cognitive risks for several prevalent and impairing psychopathologies (depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorders, and schizophrenia). We focus on central mental processes, including attention, memory, and executive functioning, alongside core cognitive
products, including attributions, attitudes, rumination, and reappraisal. There is considerable evidence that both products and processes are associated with several psychopathologies, although there are gaps in coverage. Studies that have spanned different developmental periods, from childhood into adolescence and adulthood, suggest that cognitive influences are related to psychopathologies across the life span. In many cases, longitudinal studies indicate that cognitive factors, especially products, predict prospective elevations of psychopathology. We discuss points that emerged from this review and present future research directions: (1) developmental issues; (2) the integration of cognitive products and processes within cognitive/affective neuroscience and genetics frameworks; (3) transdiagnostic versus disorder‐specific models of psychopathology; and (4) translational implications.
