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Journal ArticleDOI

Dynamic Systems Theory and the Complexity of Change

Esther Thelen
- 15 Apr 2005 - 
- Vol. 15, Iss: 2, pp 255-283
TLDR
In this article, the authors discuss the central concepts of a new theory of development (dynamic systems theory) to highlight the way in which a theory can dramatically alter views of what intervention is all about.
Abstract
The central thesis of this paper is that grand theories of development are alive and well and should be paramount to those interested in behavioral intervention. Why? Because how we think about development affects how we approach treatment. Here I discuss the central concepts of a new theory of development—dynamic systems theory—to highlight the way in which a theory can dramatically alter views of what intervention is all about. Rather than focusing on one root of maladaptive behavior such as biological predispositions, environmental causes, or motivational states, dynamic systems theory presents a flexible, time-dependent, and emergent view of behavioral change. I illustrate this new view with a case study on how infants develop the motivation to reach for objects. This example highlights the complex day-by-day and week-by-week emergence of new skills. Although such complexity presents daunting challenges for intervention, it also offers hope by emphasizing that there are multiple pathways toward change.

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Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI

The Self-Compassion Scale is a Valid and Theoretically Coherent Measure of Self-Compassion

TL;DR: The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) has been criticized for problems with psychometric validity as discussed by the authors, and the use of an overall selfcompassion score that includes items representing the lack of self-compassion has been called into question.
Journal ArticleDOI

Variable-Centered, Person-Centered, and Person-Specific Approaches: Where Theory Meets the Method

TL;DR: This article detail the purpose of each approach, describe how to determine when each approach is most appropriate, and delineate when the approaches diverge to give differing results, suggesting that no single approach is the “best.”
Journal Article

The Empty Fortress: Infantile Autism and the Birth of the Self

James N. Sussex
- 01 Aug 1967 - 
TL;DR: Psychoanalysis has long represented itself as being not only a treatment tool but a method of research, but even the most died-in-the-wool, orthodox analyst would not in this day and age claim that self-understanding can come in no other ways than through his chosen discipline.
Journal ArticleDOI

Development of the emotional brain.

TL;DR: It is proposed that hierarchical changes in circuitry may underlie the gradual changes in emotion reactivity and regulation throughout adolescence into young adulthood, with changes at each level being necessary for the instantiation of changes at the next level.
Journal ArticleDOI

Motivational Dynamics in Language Learning: Change, Stability, and Context.

TL;DR: The authors micro-map the motivational dynamics of 4 language learners during their language lessons over a period of two weeks, using a novel instrument-the Motometer-combined with classroom observations and a questionnaire on motivation and attitude.
References
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Book

Mindblindness : An Essay on Autism and Theory of Mind

TL;DR: The four steps autism and mindblindness how brains read minds the language of the eyes mindreading - back to the future was discussed in evolutionary psychology and social chess mindreading as discussed by the authors.
Journal ArticleDOI

The origins of intelligence in children

Paul L Adams
- 01 Feb 1976 - 
Journal ArticleDOI

Theory of mind.

TL;DR: For example, Frith as discussed by the authors showed that children with autism have a specific problem with theory-of-mind tasks, such as looking for the hidden chocolate in the cupboard.
Book Chapter

Theory of Mind

Uta Frith
TL;DR: Only from age five or so do children show full understanding of the situation and become able to explain exactly why Maxi has a false belief, and even 15-month-olds can be shown to have an inkling of what is going on.