Toward a Process Approach in Psychology: Stepping into Heraclitus' River

Psychological science is a systematic analysis of the process and knowledge it produces, treating psychological properties as stable, universal, and isolable. This book challenges this status quo by embracing dynamics, context-specificity, interconnectedness, and uncertainty as a natural and exciting part of human psychology. It proposes a shift toward a process-based approach that recognizes the situated, time-dependent, and fundamentally processual nature of psychological phenomena, leading to a more suitable and effective understanding of human functioning.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 379 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Psychological science plays a pivotal role in shaping the understanding we acquire throughout our daily lives. In this comprehensive book, the authors undertake a systematic exploration of this intricate process, delving into the nature of the knowledge it generates. They shed light on how mainstream scientific endeavors tend to treat psychological properties as inherently stable, universal, and isolable. However, the authors challenge this established viewpoint by inviting readers to embrace the dynamic, context-specific, interconnected, and uncertain aspects of human psychology. Rather than being perceived as obstacles to be avoided or feared, these characteristics should be recognized as integral and exciting facets of our psychological makeup.

To achieve this transformative shift, the authors advocate for a process-based approach that recognizes the situated, time-dependent, and fundamentally processual nature of psychological phenomena. By employing a complex dynamic systems framework, the book offers insights into how we can move towards a more suitable and effective praxis for understanding human functioning.

Through their meticulous analysis and thoughtful arguments, the authors demonstrate the potential for a paradigm shift in psychological research and practice. They encourage readers to embrace a holistic perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and the dynamic interplay between individuals and their environments. By doing so, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complexities and nuances of human behavior, leading to more effective interventions and therapies.

This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners alike, offering a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the dynamic nature of psychological knowledge. It encourages us to reevaluate our assumptions and embrace a more holistic understanding of human psychology, paving the way for a more compassionate and effective approach to mental health and well-being.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108796651