No abstract

No abstract

The possibility of integrating three therapeutic modalities (psychodynamic, cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), and systems) by examining three formulations of the same case is considered. To this effect, the three formulations are contrasted along two analytical perspectives, content vs. process, as the phenomenological analysis of distinctions vs. the formal relational structure of the process. The three phenomenological models (along the dichotomies of conscious vs. unconscious, rational vs. irrational, and meaning vs. meaninglessness), explored along the four criteria of Millon's integrative paradigms (epistemology, diagnostic categories, assessment techniques, therapeutic interventions), are viewed as irreconcilable. By contrast, the parallel formal process analysis of samples of the three therapies allows the integration of the three therapies, by identifying a six-role state conflict resolution process as their common denominator. This model is explored in the case at hand as providing relational diagnostic distinctions on the basis of which consensus could be established by the representatives of the three models. It is presumed that this reconciliation could enhance the three therapeutic interventions as complementary in reinforcing conflict resolution as their common objective.

203 281-3336 HE FORMAL THEORY OF BEHAVIOUR is a comprehensive new theory based on the principles of relational methodology. It is characterised by two qualities : (1) methodological purity and (2) conceptual appropriateness for the biological, psychic, and social aspects of behaviour.The Formal Theory differs from other theories in two ways : (1) It is neither physicalistic, mechanistic, organismic, nor vitalistic. It is an abstract, systemic, and purely mathematical role theory. The Formal Theory analyses and reduces systemic processes into simple forms using the relational method. (2) It is based on the study of the forms of intra-and inter-personal relations conceived of as energetic quanta.The theory's basic assumption is that psychic and social processes may be viewed as quasi-closed, steady-state energetic systems. This assumption permits dealing with the circumscribed interractional process as a relational totality obeying the exact laws of the relational method and of the mathematical group theory. The thesis is demonstrated by presentation of the Greek creation myth in which a paranoid attitude conceived of as a quantum of energy is transmitted intact from generation to generation. The perpetuation of this attitude during the five consecutive generations of the creation myth serves as a demonstration of the assumption of conservation of energy, of closure, and of formality in the nature of the behavioural process.In the paper are reviewed the implications and applications of the above thesis. Formal methodology permits the study of behaviour through normative role analysis. Normative role analysis, making use of quantifiable, graphically representable parameters, views relationally, development, psychological mechaninisms of defense, attitudes, health, illness, and therapy. METHODOLOGICAL ISSUESIn this section methodological issues are discussed toward the fomulation of the Formal Theory of Behaviour.The Aristotelian propositional method is dbsolete. Statements such as &dquo;all six-year-old sons hate their fathers&dquo;, an axiomatic proposition reflecting causeeffect linear reasoning, are invalid methodologically. Relational or systems method is currently considered as the scientific method. It is based on the study of the formal correlation of parts within a whole. Formal correlations may be portrayed by formulae.Relational method's concepts are pure: elements enter in classes, and these in totalities by nature of their relations. Relations have properties : (Fig. 1) symmetry, transitivity, correlation, which permit them to be structured in order systems (equivalences-levels, hierarchies-series). (Fig. 2) Both properties and at The University of Iowa Libraries on May 30, 2015 isp.sagepub.com Downloaded from

Introduction: This case study presents utilization of the Formal Theory’s (FT) conceptual and technological innovations. FT defines the unconscious as a homeostatic conflict resolution entity abiding by the laws of physics. This study utilizes the Conflict Analysis Battery (CAB), a manualized self-assessment that is based on the FT. Prior research evidences that CAB is didactic, diagnostic, and therapeutic.Methods: Study presents a case-record of a 32-year-old female with a history of psychiatric hospitalizations. Patient completed CAB two-times over the course of 16 outpatient sessions. Outcome is documented through the patient’s drawings and statements comparing how the patient felt before and after, symptom record, statements by the patient upon the end of therapy, and transcripts contrasting the two CAB completions.Results: Evidence suggests the efficacy of CAB model. In contrast to her previous failed treatments (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychopharmaceutical therapies) the patient experiences significant clinical improvement after 16 sessions. Improvements are observed to be enduring over time. The study examines four factors influencing the successful outcome: changes in the conceptualization of the unconscious, wellness diagnostic categories compared to DSM5 illness diagnoses, the therapeutic effectiveness of the manual-driven self-assessment compared to CBT and finally changes in the patient-therapist relationship.