Chaos and Nonlinear Psychology

Keys to Creativity in Mind and Life

Ruth Richards editor David Schuldberg editor Shan Guisinger editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc

Published:18th Nov '22

Should be back in stock very soon

Chaos and Nonlinear Psychology cover

This insightful book offers a fresh perspective on human behavior, particularly in crises, through the lens of chaos and nonlinear dynamics.

In Chaos and Nonlinear Psychology, the authors explore the unpredictable nature of human interactions, particularly in the context of crises like the pandemic. The book delves into how our responses can often appear irrational or illogical, raising critical questions about how we can understand such baffling behaviors. By examining chaos and nonlinear dynamics, the text aims to shed light on these complex social phenomena, providing a fresh perspective on familiar topics within the social sciences.

The authors bring together contributions from experts at the crossroads of psychology and chaos theory, creating a comprehensive yet accessible resource. The book is structured around six key themes, including recognizing nonlinearity, identifying patterns, and employing simple models. It emphasizes practical applications and interventions, making it suitable for readers without specialized knowledge, while also offering deeper insights for those interested in more advanced concepts.

Chaos and Nonlinear Psychology is not just theoretical; it engages with real-world issues such as organizational behavior, health, and even personal relationships. By applying Nonlinear Dynamical Systems (NDS) theory, it reveals how various aspects of life can be better understood through a dynamic and interconnected lens. This volume ultimately encourages readers to adopt a more process-oriented worldview, enhancing their comprehension of both their own experiences and the broader social landscape.

The volume comprises two parts, focusing respectively on theory and practice. The psychological constructs discussed are well-known in the discipline, but this approach to conceptualization will be entirely new to many. The ideas are challenging but important. Readers will benefit from the editors' contextualizing framework, and deep knowledge of chaos theory and its mathematics is not necessary to grasp the applicability of nonlinear dynamics to psychology in practice. * B. C. Beins, CHOICE *

ISBN: 9780190465025

Dimensions: 152mm x 231mm x 28mm

Weight: 839g

448 pages