Examines the ways in which Parsons's systems analysis of sociology differs from those proposed by personality theorists. Uses analogies from Parsons's systems analysis of society to elaborate the systems analyses of personality. (LLL)

There is a need for a counseling theory that explains and predicts the behavior and activities of all persons. There is an unfulfilled promise of counseling for many persons in this society. Three major criticisms related to the traditional counseling role and process include criticisms of the intrapsychic counseling model, how counseling…

Introduces guidance system for the application of invitational theory. Calls system "Helix" because it spirals through 12 steps of development divided into three levels. Offers schema for examining one's own development as an invitational student, practitioner, and theorist. Provides impetus for further discussion about developmental…

Introduces invitational theory, collection of assumptions that seek to explain phenomena and provide means of intentionally summoning people to realize their relatively boundless potential in all areas of worthwhile human endeavor. Describes foundations of invitational theory; assumptions regarding trust, respect, optimism, and intentionality;…

Skepticism about Piaget's work is the focus of this essay. The author sketches a history of Piaget's influence on American Education, reviews recent Genevan learning research, and turns to a consideration of issues of great educational concern, bringing Piaget's work to bear on them. (CT)

Considers whether or not intervention and strategy are necessary components of competent therapy. Sees passive listening and expert interpretations as consequences of psychodynamic theory; active manipulation of social structure and strategic intervention into feedback as consequences of mechanical assumptions of structural and cybernetic theory;…

This book describes the practical applications of the psychology of Alfred Adler. The first chapter provides a short introduction to Adler and his work. Chapter 2 contains a compendium of the latest research and practices on the characteristics of healthy persons as they relate to individual psychology. Chapters 3 and 4 explain dimensions and uses…

Reviews history and current status of social learning theory (SLT) including present conflict between "cognitive behaviorists" within the movement. Makes suggestions on how to resolve conflict in a way that will further secure the future role of SLT. Offers prescription for adoption of a multifaceted "indirect" approach to…

Notes that polytomous item response theory (IRT) models are appropriate for Likert scale and other polytomous item types. Presents polytomous IRT models, including graded response, nominal response, partial credit, and rating scale models. (Author/NB)

Demonstrates the compatibility of General System Theory (GST) with the traditional counseling literature in explicating a therapy group's progression through Tuckman's (1965, 1977) developmental stages (forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning). Description uses both traditional group literature and GST concepts. (Author/NB)

Describes neocognitive learning theory's major principles and assumptions, cites contemporary research evidence which supports each assumption of this perspective, distinguishes how this model of learning offers significant advance over first-generation cognitive and reciprocal social learning models of deviance, and discusses implications of…

Discusses contributions and difficulties that postmodern feminist thought has to offer for reconceptualization of social work theories and practice. Provides overview of status of feminist theory within social work literature and describes roots and explains concerns of postmodern feminism. Discusses relevance, implications, and challenges of…

The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of chaos theory for counseling. The scientific notion of chaos refers to the tendency of dynamical, nonlinear systems toward irregular, sometimes unpredictable, yet deterministic behavior. Therapists, especially those working from a brief approach, have noted the importance of the client's…

Examines the relationship of intelligence to the internal and external world of the individual and to the experience of the individual. Also examines competing models and metaphors that have motivated questions about these relationships. Indicates that a theory that addressed all three areas simultaneously is the triarchic theory. (JN)

Discusses problems with current definitions and uses of eclecticism in counseling practice and importance for mental health counselors of learning to apply theory even if they wish to be eclectic. Proposes a hierarchy of eclectic practices. Claims mental health counselors need to make use of theoretical knowledge of counseling profession to offer…