Personal Styles In Neurosis

Originally published in 1981, the inadequacies of the ‘medical model’ for the understanding and psychological treatment of neuroses were widely recognized. A number of alternative approaches had arisen in response, but most of the models were theoretical, and little experimental support was documented. One of the most pressing needs at the time was for a system of classification which could predict the behaviour of different types of neurotic patient under different treatments, and thus provide a framework for the selection of patients for small group psychotherapy and for behaviour therapy. The authors of this title develop such a framework, involving the matching of patient, therapist and treatment according to certain adjustment strategies such as ‘direction of interest’, ‘conservatism’, ‘convergent-divergent thinking’, ‘openness to inner experience’ and ‘control’. The ‘personal style’ of an individual is defined by these strategies, and by the patient’s expectations from treatment. The authors collected a considerable amount of original research material over many years, and their evidence demonstrates the fundamental importance of ‘personal style’ in treatment allocation and response. The new approach which they propose will be of interest not only to academic psychologists but to those in the mental health professions actively engaged in psychotherapy and behaviour therapy.

Readings in the Theory of Individual Psychology presents an overview of the central theoretical tenets and specific fundamental concepts of Individual Psychology, framed on terms that make it possible to verify empirically many of these theoretical foundations. Sections of the book are organized into subject areas such as social interest, creative self, lifestyle, and family constellation, each containing seminal articles by Adler, Dreikurs, and other founding thinkers, and introduced with an original essay by a contemporary scholar. Readings in the Theory of Individual Psychology informs the reader of the recent and current theory in Individual Psychology, presented in order to generate new empirical research and future directions for development. Slavik and Carlson have pulled together a truly unique source for current thinking and theorizing in the field, providing the next generation of researchers, scholars, and scientists with the tools to move Individual Psychology into its next phase of refinement.

Originally published in 1981, the inadequacies of the 'medical model' for the understanding and psychological treatment of neuroses were widely recognized. A number of alternative approaches had arisen in response, but most of the models were theoretical, and little experimental support was documented. One of the most pressing needs at the time was for a system of classification which could predict the behaviour of different types of neurotic patient under different treatments, and thus provide a framework for the selection of patients for small group psychotherapy and for behaviour therapy. The authors of this title develop such a framework, involving the matching of patient, therapist and treatment according to certain adjustment strategies such as 'direction of interest', 'conservatism', 'convergent-divergent thinking', 'openness to inner experience' and 'control'. The 'personal style' of an individual is defined by these strategies, and by the patient's expectations from treatment. The authors collected a considerable amount of original research material over many years, and their evidence demonstrates the fundamental importance of 'personal style' in treatment allocation and response. The new approach which they propose will be of interest not only to academic psychologists but to those in the mental health professions actively engaged in psychotherapy and behaviour therapy.

Offers a measure of hopefulness about the prospects for professional ministry in the Church.

Traditionally, personality and psychopathology have been distinct areas of inquiry. This important volume reviews influential research programs that increasingly bridge the gap between the two areas. Presented are compelling perspectives on whether certain personality traits or structures confer risks for mental illness, how temperament interacts with other influences on psychological adaptation, links between personality disorders and mood and anxiety disorders, implications for effective intervention, and more.

This is Volume VIII of nineteen in a collection of Abnormal and Clinical Psychology. Originally published in 1927, this book discusses the idea that to treat the neurotic, we must understand him, and try to discover why his personality differs from the normal and that we must answer the questions why a patient breaks down at all, why one person breaks down in one way, and another shows a different group of symptoms, and when he has broken down, what is likely to happen to him.

With his penetrating theory of personality and his nuanced understanding of the psychotherapeutic relationship, David Shapiro has influenced clinicians across the theoretical spectrum since the publication of Neurotic Styles in 1965. This influence is on vivid display in Personality and Psychopathology, as noted contemporary theorists critically evaluate his work in a fascinating dialogue with Shapiro himself. Starting with a crucial therapeutic observation—the centrality of the relationship between what the client says in session and how it is said—contributors revisit his core concepts regarding personality development, the prevolitional aspects of psychopathology, the limits to self-understanding, and the defensive uses of self-deception in light of current psychodynamic, evolutionary, and systems theory. Shapiro’s replies, and the contributors’ rejoinders, highlight points of departure and agreement and provide further clarification and extension of his ideas on a wide range of salient topics, including: The experience of autonomy in schizophrenia. Defensive thinking to prevent dreaded states of mind. The linguistics of self-deceptive speech. Self-deception as a reproductive strategy. Intentionality and craving in addiction. The subjective experience of hypomania. Personality and Psychopathology affords psychotherapists and research psychologists not only a unique opportunity to gain insight into Shapiro’s contributions, but also new lenses for re-examining their own work.