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Folk Classification and Factor Rotations: Whales, Sharks, and the Problems With the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP)

Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) uses factor analysis to group people with similar self-reported symptoms (i.e., like-goes-with-like). It is hailed as a significant improvement over other diagnostic taxonomies. However, the purported advantages and fundamental assumptions of HiTOP have received little, if any scientific scrutiny. We critically evaluated five fundamental claims about HiTOP. We conclude that HiTOP does not demonstrate a high degree of verisimilitude and has the potential to hinder progress on understanding the etiology of psychopathology. It does not lend itself to theory-building or taxonomic evolution, and it cannot account for multifinality, equifinality, or developmental and etiological processes. In its current form, HiTOP is not ready to use in clinical settings and may result in algorithmic bias against underrepresented groups. We recommend a bifurcation strategy moving forward in which the DSM is used in clinical settings while researchers focus on developing a falsifiable theory-based classification system.
DOI: 10.1177/21677026211002500
Authors: Gerald J. Haeffel, Bertus F. Jeronimus, Bonnie N. Kaiser, Lesley Jo Weaver, Peter D. Soyster, Aaron J. Fisher, Ivan Vargas, Jason T. Goodson, Wei Lu
Institutions: University of Notre Dame, University of Groningen, University of California San Diego, University of Oregon, University of California, Berkeley, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Language: English
Field: Psychology
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3162065503
FWCI: 17.7
Cites: 152
Cited by: 89
Related to: 10