Paul Goodman and the Gestalt theory of self. (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Philippson, Peter
• Is Part Of: Self and society. Volume 44:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 327
• Page End: 332
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: Paul Goodman -- Fritz Perls -- psychoanalysis -- Gestalt theory of self -- 'autonomous criterion' -- self as organizing function; Human potential movement -- Periodicals; Humanistic psychology -- Periodicals; Self-realization (Psychology) -- Periodicals; Human potential movement; Humanistic psychology; Periodicals; 150.198605
• DOI: 10.1080/03060497.2016.1249123
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-0497

Abstract

Abstract : Paul Goodman contributed to the Gestalt theory of self in a number of ways, not least by extending some of Fritz Perls' founding insights and further distancing the theory from its psychoanalytical underpinning. His seminal text Gestalt Therapy: Excitement and Growth in the Human Personality (co-authored with Perls and Ralph Hefferline, 1951) introduced the ideas of 'creative adjustment' and the 'autonomous criterion', which are central to his own, more nuanced perspective.