Transformation in Clinical and Developmental Psychology

by Deirdre A. Kramer (Editor), Michael J. Bopp (Editor)

Overview

One goal of this volume is to critically examine existing metatheory in psychology. Its second goal is to portray how particular psychological endeavors can be enhanced by the application of metatheories, alternatives to the traditional mechanistic outlook. The alternative conceptual frameworks explored in this volume, namely, contextualism and dialectics, assume a fluid and metaphorical view of change, growth, development, and transformation. The areas of clinical and developmental psychology are fields wich are primarily concerned with explaining and promoting change. This volume offers a fresh conceptual perspective on psychological change.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781461281719
Publisher:	Springer New York
Publication date:	10/08/2011
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1989
Pages:	263
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.02(d)

Table of Contents

1 Introduction.- 1: General Historical and Theoretical Perspectives.- 2 On the Implications of the Relativity/Quantum Revolution for Psychology.- 3 Changing the Known; Knowing the Changing: The General Systems Theory Metatheory as a Conceptual Framework to Study Complex Change and Complex Thoughts.- 2: Contextualist Perspectives.- 4 William James’ Pragmatism: A Clarification of the Contextual World View.- 5 Contextualism, Naturalistic Inquiry, and the Need for New Science: A Rethinking of Everyday Memory Aging and Childhood Sexual Abuse.- 6 The Contextual—Epistemic Approach to Psychotherapy.- 7 Discovering the Social—Cultural Context of Research: Listening to and Learning from Research Participants.- 3: Dialectical, Organismic Perspectives.- 8 Dependent-Independence in Adult—Child Relationships.- 9 The Dialectics of Forgetting and Remembering Across the Adult Lifespan.- 10 Toward a Constructive-Developmental Understanding of the Dialectics of Individuality and Irrationality.- 11 Change and Stability in Marital Interaction Patterns: A Developmental Model.- 12 The Nuclear Crisis: Insights from Metatheory and Clinical Change Theories.- Author Index.

Editorial Reviews

Contributors demonstrate ways in which theoretical, scientific, and clinical applications are limited by the exclusive reliance on traditional mechanistic approaches and are enhanced by alternative methodologies. Two alternative frameworks are represented here: organicism (or dialectics) and contextualism. Emphasis is on the developing person in a dynamic social context. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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