psychogenesis

/ˌsaɪkoʊˈdʒɛnəsɪs/
noun
  1. The origin and development of mental processes, personality, or behavior, especially as influenced by psychological factors rather than biological ones.
    • Researchers in the field of psychogenesis explore how early relationships shape adult personality.
    • Understanding the psychogenesis of phobias can help in designing effective treatments.
    • The therapist studied the psychogenesis of the patient's anxiety, tracing it back to childhood experiences.
  2. The production or causation of physical symptoms by mental or emotional factors.
    • Her headaches were eventually attributed to psychogenesis, linked to her high-pressure job.
    • Psychogenesis is often considered when medical tests fail to find a physical cause for a symptom.
    • The doctor explained that the patient's chronic pain might have a psychogenesis, stemming from stress rather than injury.