Psychology and the Poetics of Growth: Figurative Language in Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Education

The authors describe the relevance of figurative language for the psychology of language and present a methodological approach best described as naturalistic in orientation. The use of such language is shown to be crucial in patient insight, and the third section deals with children, their understanding and use of figurative expressions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In this comprehensive volume, originally published in 1977, the authors delve into the profound significance of figurative language in the realm of language psychology, offering a methodological approach that can be characterized as naturalistic in its orientation. The first section of the book provides a comprehensive exploration of figurative language, encompassing its linguistic, aesthetic, and philosophical underpinnings. It also includes a detailed account of the empirical techniques employed to assess and analyze figurative language in diverse spoken and written contexts, yielding valuable insights.

The second section of this volume focuses specifically on the occurrence and importance of figurative language within the context of psychotherapy. The authors demonstrate how the use of such language plays a vital role in facilitating patient insight and understanding. The third section delves into the realm of children, exploring their understanding and utilization of figurative expressions, particularly within the school setting. This section offers valuable insights into the cognitive development of children and their ability to engage with and interpret figurative language.

This volume stands as a remarkable testament to the literature of its time and continues to be a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners alike. Its comprehensive coverage of figurative language, coupled with its methodological approach, makes it an essential read for anyone interested in the psychology of language and its applications in various contexts.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032593845