The Psychological Meaning of Chaos

Chaos theories have revolutionized scientists' concept of the physical world over the past 50 years. Variously called chaos, nonlinear dynamical systems, self-organization, and the broader science of complexity, this new way of seeing stands in sharp contrast to the linear, reductionistic models that have dominated most psychological thinking. Theories of chaos, complexity and self-organization also have potential for psychology, offering a model for behaviour that resonates more closely with psychologists' understanding of the vicissitudes of human change. In this text, group and family therapists as well as developmentalists and researchers describe the impact that chaos, complexity, and self-organization have on their understanding of human change. The book begins with a general and easy-to-understand description of chaos and complexity theories. Following this, three parts focus on topics long debated within psychology. In the first part, new models of develpment are presented that will correspond more closely with many psychologists' every-day observations of development.
In the second part, regression, dissociative disorders, and childhood trauma are re-examined from this new perspective, showing how this theoretical stance helps to normalize the often bizarre symptoms of clients with these disorders. Next, group and family dynamics are explored and case examples given of how to integrate these new models of behaviour to understand clients as they struggle to restructure and reorganize their lives.