Noun that refers to a chain sequence

I’m writing about natural causal chains and would like to use ‘pathology,’ but that word appears to only include diseases or abnormalities. For example, when someone is attracted to something, there is a series of biological and psychological causes-and-effects that typically occur, with possible branches depending on specific circumstances. I would like to say, "the pathology of attraction is typically…" for not only what’s already happened, but also what’s likely to happen next given specific circumstances and choices made.

The reason for wanting to use the word, pathology, is because I study neural pathways (involuntary), and figurative paths people can choose (voluntary) toward living a better life for them and the people the care about most. And as a counselor, understanding how someone comes to believe and value things follows a specific path (past) that causes people to do what they do (future/involuntary) unless they consciously choose otherwise (voluntary). ‘Ology’ is the study of, and ‘path’ is literally what happens inside someone’s head, and builds the content (understanding, beliefs, values, etc.) that runs their life.

I’m not stuck on pathology, but I’d prefer something better than, "the causal chain…."