Contemporary Theories and Systems in Psychology

Contemporary Theories and Systems in Psychology
Author: Benjamin B. Wolman
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 644
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 146843800X

Twenty years is a long time in the life of a science. While the historical roots of psychology have not changed since the first edition of this book, some of the offshoots of the various theories and systems discussed have been crit ically reexamined and have undergone far-reaching modifications. New and bold research has led to a broadening of perspectives, and recent devel opments in several areas required a considerable amount of rewriting. I have been fortunate in the last fifteen years to have worked with about 2,000 psychologists and other behavioral scientists who contributed to several collected volumes I have edited. As the editor-in-chief of the In ternational Encyclopedia of Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychoanalysis and Neurol ogy, I have had the privilege of reading, scrutinizing, and editing the work of 1,500 experts in psychology and related disciplines. In addition, I have written several books and monographs and over one hundred scientific papers. Armed with all that experience, I have carefully examined the pages of the first edition. Chapter 8 required substantial rewriting and several new sections have been added to other chapters: "Current Soviet Psychol ogy" (Chapter 2, Section 7); "New Ideas on Purposivism" (Chapter 5, Sec tion 4); "Recent Developments in the Sociological School of Psychoanalysis" (Chapter 9, Section 4); and "Present Status of Gestalt Psychology" (Chapter 12, Section 4). Chapter 15 was omitted, and two new chapters were added: Chapter 14 ("Humanistic Psychology") and Chapter 16 ("Selected Research Areas").

Theories of School Psychology

Theories of School Psychology
Author: Kristy K. Kelly
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 321
Release: 2020-11-11
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1351064924

Theories of School Psychology: Critical Perspectives describes the theories, frameworks, and conceptual models that underlie the science and practice of school psychology. Chapters provide an orientation to theories, frameworks, and conceptual models that address core school psychology domains along with application to common student, school, and system issues prevalent in the field. Promoting a deeper study of the fundamental processes and approaches in school psychology, this book advances the embedding of theories, frameworks, and models into the design and delivery of educational and psychological services for children, youth, families, and schools. Case vignettes, empirical evidence, and a broad emphasis on prevention and implementation science provide students and trainers with important information for problem-solving in research and in the field.

History and Theories of Psychology

History and Theories of Psychology
Author: Dai Jones
Publisher: Hodder Arnold
Total Pages: 294
Release: 2001
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 9780340741160

Does mainstream psychology offer us a 'true' insight into human nature? Or are current psychological theories and philosphies as much to be taken in the context of today's social and political thinking as were past beliefs within the discipline? Addressing this sometimes contentious debate, 'History and Theories of Psychology' introduces the core issues of critical psychology from a historical perspective. The authors show how the development of the discipline, far from being a steady progression towards an empirically verifiable truth, has been significantly shaped by its host society throughout history. The book is divided into two main sections. The first provides an overview of the history of psychology, using the benefit of hindsight to demonstrate how the discipline has been influenced and encroached upon by external events. The second applies the same broad perspective to issues in present day psychology, covering topics such as: the role of contemporary psychology, methodology within psychology, folk psychology and social constructionism. By addressing these issues in the light of critical psychology, the book aims to present a more realistic appreciation of the nature and scope of modern psychology, promoting greater critical awareness in students and teachers alike.

A Theory of System Justification

A Theory of System Justification
Author: John T. Jost
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Total Pages: 402
Release: 2020-07-14
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0674244656

A leading psychologist explains why nearly all of us—including many of those who are persecuted and powerless—so often defend the social systems that cause misery and injustice. Why do we so often defend the very social systems that are responsible for injustice and exploitation? In A Theory of System Justification, John Jost argues that we are motivated to defend the status quo because doing so serves fundamental psychological needs for certainty, security, and social acceptance. We want to feel good not only about ourselves and the groups to which we belong, but also about the overarching social structure in which we live, even when it hurts others and ourselves. Jost lays out the wide range of evidence for his groundbreaking theory and examines its implications for our communities and our democracy. Drawing on twenty-five years of research, he provides an accessible account of system justification theory and its insights. System justification helps to explain deep contradictions, including the feeling among some women that they don’t deserve the same salaries as men and the tendency of some poor people to vote for policies that increase economic inequality. The theory illuminates the most pressing social and political issues of our time—why has it been so hard to combat anthropogenic climate change?—as well as some of the most intimate—why do some black children prefer white dolls to black ones and why do some people stay in bad relationships? Jost’s theory has far-reaching implications, and he offers numerous insights that political activists and social justice advocates can use to promote change.

Dual-process Theories in Social Psychology

Dual-process Theories in Social Psychology
Author: Shelly Chaiken
Publisher: Guilford Press
Total Pages: 676
Release: 1999-02-19
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 9781572304215

This informative volume presents the first comprehensive review of research and theory on dual-process models of social information processing. These models distinguish between qualitatively different modes of information processing in making decisions and solving problems (e.g., associative versus rule-based, controlled versus uncontrolled, and affective versus cognitive modes). Leading contributors review the basic assumptions of these approaches and review the ways they have been applied and tested in such areas as attitudes, stereotyping, person perception, memory, and judgment. Also examined are the relationships between different sets of processing modes, the factors that determine their utilization, and how they work in combination to affect responses to social information.

Theories of Personality

Theories of Personality
Author: David Lester
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 194
Release: 2019-03-04
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0429643667

Designed as a text for both graduate and undergraduate students, this book, originally published in 1995, presents an intrapsychic explanation of human behaviour – concepts based on psychological processes and ‘structures’ within the mind. In this context, a unique treatment of personality theory is introduced. It focuses on Freud, Kelly and Angyal: Freud’s psychoanalytic theory of personality based on desires, Kelly’s personal construct theory for thinking, and Angyal’s holistic concepts of personality. Each theory is given a detailed analysis in separate chapters. Freud’s psychoanalytic theory is cast as a theory of motivation, Kelly’s personal construct theory as a theory of cognition, and then it is noted that there is no comprehensive theory of personality based on emotion. Although Angyal’s holistic theory is rarely described in modern textbooks, Lester includes this because none of the other holistic theorists rival Angyal in their range of hypothetical constructs or descriptive terms. Then, in sections dealing with alternative viewpoints, the author shows how other personality theorists actually endorse and expand upon the ideas expressed by the aforementioned three, albeit with different terminology. Recognizing the diversity of holistic views in theories of personality, several counterpoint chapters are devoted to the holistic ideas. Lester separates these into three major areas: theorists who have focused on the split in the mind between the real and ideal self; recent theorists who explore the possibility that the mind is a ‘multiplicity of selves’; and theorists who, though not having their viewpoints sufficiently articulated in the literature, are still well established in the history of psychology. Other features include a presentation of the material in modern viewpoints, instead of the precise and perhaps outdated style as written by the individual theorists, and boxed highlights in each section, providing students with practical capsule information for easy reading.

Simply Psychology

Simply Psychology
Author: Michael W. Eysenck
Publisher: Psychology Press
Total Pages: 411
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 113589759X

This textbook provides a comprehensive account of psychology for all those with little or no previous knowledge of the subject. It covers the main areas of psychology, including social psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, personality, intelligence, and biological psychology.; Each chapter contains definitions of key terms, together with several multiple-choice questions and answers, and semi- structured essay questions. In addition, every chapter contains a "Personal Viewpoint" section, which encourages the reader to compare his or her views on psychology with the relevant findings of psychologists. The last chapter is devoted to study skills, and provides numerous practical hints for readers who want to study more effectively.

Systems Theory in Action

Systems Theory in Action
Author: Shelly Smith-Acuña
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 192
Release: 2010-11-02
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 047047582X

"Smith-Acuña illuminates the structural hierarchy, roles, and boundaries that give a system structure. The relationship between parts and wholes is both simple and profound, and particularly important in looking at systems structure. These morsels of wisdom are good examples of Smith-Acuña's grace as a systems theory tour guide: one moment she's digging deeper into the nuances among the theories, the next moment she's simplifying without dumbing down, but in a manner that is enormously liberating. We enjoy the fun, full, and informed journey with her." —Frank S. Pittman III, MD A practical presentation of systems theory as a fundamental model for clinical practice Valuable for seasoned mental health professionals as well as those in training, Systems Theory in Action presents systems theory—the unifying principles surrounding the organization and functioning of systems—as it applies to individual, couples, and family therapy. This innovative book explores systems theory as an effective model for general mental health practice. It examines the role systems theory can play, specifically in understanding clients' presenting problems in context, within the various systems and subsystems in which the problems are embedded. Filled with realistic clinical stories illustrating relevant concepts that tie theory to technique, Systems Theory in Action takes an in-depth look at: Systems theory as a solid guide through the dynamic process of psychotherapy The multilayered value of observing human interactions through a systems view Systemic thinking, its core components, and how it serves to reveal a "big picture" view of clients and their presenting problems Systems Theory in Action is a unique contribution to the field, translating the technical terminology of general systems thinking into common, everyday language.

Systems Theories for Psychotherapists

Systems Theories for Psychotherapists
Author: Michael D. Reiter
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 351
Release: 2018-11-06
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 042981383X

Systems Theories for Psychotherapists explores three key theories that underpin many of the models of psychotherapy: general systems theory, natural systems theory, and language systems theory. The book presents the aesthetics (how to see and understand what is happening) and the pragmatics (what to do in the therapy room) behind each theory. It also explores how therapists can successfully conceptualize the problems that clients bring to therapy, offering a range of contemporary examples to show how each theory can be applied to practice. Starting with an introduction to systems theories, the book then delves into cybernetics, interactional systems, natural systems, constructivist theory, and social construction theory. Each chapter uses a distinctive case example to help clinicians to better understand and apply the theories to their own therapeutic setting. Woven throughout the book are three helpful learning tools: "Applying Your Knowledge," "Key Figure," and "Questions for Reflection," providing the reader with the opportunity to critically engage with each concept, consider how their own world view and preconceptions can inform their work with clients, and challenging them to apply prominent systems theories to their own practice. Systems Theories for Psychotherapists is a clear and valuable text for undergraduate and graduate students in mental health programs, including counseling, marriage and family therapy, social work and clinical psychology, as well as for all practicing clinicians.