Skip to main content

The Criterion of Concreteness: Seven Psychological Orphans in Search of a Theory—Toward a Neo-Behaviorist View

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy as a Science
  • 1375 Accesses

Abstract

In previous chapters of this monograph, the two professional requirements of specificity and concreteness were introduced that go beyond established scientific criteria of reliability and validity. The requirement of specificity was expanded in Chap. 4 of this volume. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the second requirement of concreteness necessary to perform clinical psychology and psychotherapy practices as a professional science. To achieve this goal, this chapter will critically review several seemingly important psychological constructs developed and validated independently of a theory from the viewpoint of this second requirement in clinical psychology and psychotherapy: concreteness.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Azar, B., (2011, April). Positive psychology advances, with growing pains. Monitor on Psychology, 32–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bartholomew, K. J., Ntoumanis, N., Ryan, R. M., Bosch, J. A., & Thogersen-Ntoumanis, C. (2011). Self-determination theory and diminished functioning: The role of interpersonal control and psychological need thwarting. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 37, 1459–1473.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baucom, D. H., Epstein, N. B., Kirby, J. S., & Falconier, M. K. (2011). Couple therapy: Theoretical perspective and empirical findings. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of clinical psychology (pp. 789–809). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baumeister, R. F. (1993). Self-esteem: The puzzle of low self-regard. New York: Plenum Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bednar, R. L., Wells, M. G., & Peterson, S. R. (1989). Self-esteem: Paradoxes and innovations in clinical theory and practice. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Berlant, L. (Ed.). (2000). Intimacy. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bolger, N., & Romero-Canyas, R. (2007). Integrating personality traits and processes: Frameworks, method, analysis, results. In Y. Shoda, D. Cervone, & G. Downey (Eds.), Persons in contexts: Building a science of the individual (pp. 201–210). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bridgman, P. W. (1927). The logic of modern physics. New York: MacMillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burtt, E. A. (2003). The metaphysical foundations of modern science. Mineols, NY: Dover Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carnerley, K. B., & Rowe, A. C. (2010). Priming a sense of security: What goes through people’s minds? Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 27, 253–261.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caprara, G. V., & Cervone, D. (2000). Personality: Determinants, dynamics, and potentials. New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Chambless, D. L., & Ollendick, T. H. (2001). Empirically supported psychological interventions: Controversies and evidence. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 685–716.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chorpita, B. F., Miranda, J., & Bernstein, A. (2011). Creating public health policy: The dissemination of evidence-based psychological interventions. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of clinical psychology (pp. 210–222). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Colesso, W. (2012). A new theory-derived instrument to evaluate selected models of Relational Competence Theory. In M. Cusinato & L. L’Abate (Eds.), Advances in relational competence theory: With special attention to Alexithymia. New York: Nova Science Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Colesso, W., & L’Abate, L. (2011). Relational creativity: A redundant construct and a teachable competence? In A. M. Columbus (Ed.), Advances in psychology research (Vol. 83, pp. 103–127). New York: Nova Science Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Corr, P. J., & Matthews, G. (Eds.). (2009). Personality psychology. New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cusinato, M., & Colesso, W. (2008). Validation of the continuum of likeness in intimate relationships. In L. L’Abate (Ed.), Toward a science of clinical psychology: Laboratory evaluations and interventions (pp. 337–352). New York: Nova Science Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cusinato, M., & L’Abate, L. (1994). A spiral model of intimacy. In S. M. Johnson & L. S. Greenberg (Eds.), The heart of the matter: Perspectives on emotion in marital therapy (pp. 108–123). New York: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cusinato, M., & L’Abate, L. (Eds.). (2012). Advances in relational competence theory: With special attention to alexithymia. New York: Nova Science Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Giacomo, P., L’Abate, L., Pennebaker, J. W., & Rumbaugh, D. (2010). Applifications and applications of Pennebaker’s analogic to digital model in health promotion, prevention, and psychotherapy. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 17, 355–362.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Jong, H. L. (2010). From theory construction to deconstruction: The many modalities of theorizing in psychology. Theory & Psychology, 20, 745–763.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diener, E., & Biswas-Diener, R. (2008). Happiness: Unlocking the mysteries of psychological wealth. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doi, S. C., & Thelen, M. H. (1993). The fear of intimacy scale: Replication and extension. Psychological Assessment, 5, 377–383.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Durand, V. M. (2011). Disorders of development. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of clinical psychology (pp. 551–573). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dyckman, J. (2011). Exposing the glosses in Seligman and Flowler’s (2011) straw-man arguments. American Psychologist, 66, 644–645.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eidelson, R., Pilisuck, M., & Soldz, S. (2011). The dark side of comprehensive soldier fitness. American Psychologist, 66, 643–644.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fredrickson, B. L. (2009). Positivity: Groundbreaking research reveals how to embrace the hidden strength of positive emotions, overcome negativity, an thrive. New York: Crown Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gigerenzen, G. (2010). Personal reflections on theory and psychology. Theory & Psychology, 20, 733–743.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilbert, D. (2007). Stumbling on happiness. New York: Vintage Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gottman, J. M. (2011). The science of trust: Emotional attunement for couples. New York: W. W. Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hicks, A. M., & Diamond, L. M. (2011). Don’t go to bed angry: Attachment, conflict, and affective and physiological reactivity. Personal Relationships, 18, 266–284.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, E. T., & Scholer, A. A. (2008). When is personality revealed? A motivated cognition approach. In O. P. John, R. W. Robins, & L. A. Pervin (Eds.), Handbook of personality: Theory and research (pp. 182–207). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hogan, R., Johnson, J., & Briggs, S. (Eds.). (1997). Handbook of personality psychology. San Diego, CA: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jahoda, G. (2007). A history of social psychology: From the eighteenth-century enlightenment to the second World War. New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • John, O. P., Robins, R. W., & Pervin, L. A. (Eds.). (2008). Handbook of personality: Theory and research. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kitayama, S., & Imada, T. (2010). Implicit independence and interdependence: A cultural task analysis. In B. Mesquita, L. F. Barrett, & E. R. Smith (Eds.), The mind in context (pp. 174–200). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kraus, M. W., Horberg, E. J., Goetz, J. L., & Keltner, D. (2011). Social class rank, hreat vigilance, and hostile reactivity. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 37, 1376–1388.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krueger, J. I. (2011). Shock without awe. American Psychologist, 66, 642–643.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (1977). Enrichment: Structured interventions with couples, families, and groups. Washington, DC: University Press of America.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (1997b). The paradox of change: Better them than us. In R. S. Sauber (Ed.), Managed mental health care: Major diagnostic and treatment approaches (pp. 40–66). Bristol, PA: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (2004b). The role of workbooks in the delivery of mental health services in prevention, psychotherapy and rehabilitation. In L. L’Abate (Ed.), Workbooks in prevention, psychotherapy, and rehabilitation: A resource for clinicians and researchers (pp. 3–61). Binghamton, NY: Haworth.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (2005). Personality in intimate relationships: Socialization and psycho-pathology. New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (2006). Toward a relational theory for psychiatric classification. American Journal of Family Therapy, 34, 1–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (2008a). Applications of relational competence theory to prevention and psychotherapy. In K. Jordan (Ed.), The Quick Theory Reference Guide: A Resource for expert and novice mental health professionals (pp. 475–492). New York: Nova Science Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (2009a). Bibliography: Selected secondary references for models of relational competence theory. In L. L’Abate, P. De Giacomo, M. Capitelli, & S. Longo (Eds.), Science, mind, and creativity: The Bari symposium (pp. 175–196). New York: Nova Science Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (2009b). A structured, theory-derived interview for intimate relationships. The Family Psychologist, 25, 12–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (2009c). In search of a relational theory. American Psychologist, 64, 776–788.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (2009d). Paradigms, theories, and models: Two hierarchical frameworks. In L. L’Abate, P. De Giacomo, M. Capitelli, & S. Longo (Eds.), Science, mind and creativity: The Bari symposium (pp. 107–122). New York: Nova Science Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (2009e). Resilienza: Un construtto alla ricerca di una teoria [Resilience: A construct in search of a theory]. Rivista di Studi Familiari: FIR, Famiglia, Interdisciplinarita’, Ricerca, 9, 7–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (2009f). The Drama Triangle: An attempt to resurrect a neglected pathogenic model in family therapy theory and practice. American Journal of Family Therapy, 37, 1–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (2011a). Hurt feelings: Research and practice in intimate relationships. New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (2011c). Self-control: An orphan construct in search of a theory? In A. Durante & C. Mammoliti (Eds.), Psychology of self-control (pp. 37–67). New York: Nova Science Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (2011d). Sourcebook of interactive practice exercises in mental health. New York: Springer.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (2011e). The seven sources of pleasure: Making way for the upside in the midst of modern demands. Santa Barbare, CA: Praeger.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (Ed.). (2012b). Paradigms in theory construction. New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L. (2012c). Programmed writing. In L. L’Abate & G. S. Sweeney (Eds.), Research on writing approaches in mental health. Bingley, UK: Emerald Group Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L., & Cusinato, M. (2007). Linking theory with practice: Theory-derived interventions in prevention and family therapy. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy with Couples and Families, 15, 318–327.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L., & Cusinato, M. (2012). Selfhood: A theory-derived relational model for mental illness and its applications. In L. L’Abate (Ed.), Mental illness (Vol. I). Rijeka, Croatia: InTech Open Access Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L., Cusinato, M., Maino, E., Colesso, W., & Scilletta, C. (2010). Relational competence theory: Research and mental health applications. New York: Springer.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L., & Weinstein, S. E. (1987). Structured enrichment programs for couples and families. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • L’Abate, L., & Young, L. (1987). Casebook of structured enrichment programs for couples and families. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lefcourt, H. M. (Ed.). (1981). Research with the locus of control construct. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leyfer, O., & Brown, T. A. (2011). The anxiety-depression spectrum. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of clinical psychology (pp. 279–293). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lilienfeld, S. O., Fowler, K. A., Lohr, J. M., & Lynn, S. I. (2005). Pseudoscience, non-science, and nonsense in clinical psychology: Dangers and remedies. In R. H. Wright & N. A. Cummings (Eds.), Destructive trends in mental health: The intentioned path to harm (pp. 187–218). New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Long, W. J. (2011). Pandemics and peace: Public health cooperation in zones of conflict. Washington, DC: United States Institute of Peace.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). The how of happiness: A new approach to getting the life you want. New York: Penguin Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Madden, G. J., & Bickel, W. K. (Eds.). (2010). Impulsivity: The behavioral and neurological science of discounting. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malle, B. F. (2004). How the mind explains behavior: Folks explanations, meaning, and social interaction. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKay, M., Fanning, P., Honeychurch, C., & Sutker, C. (1999). The self-esteem companion: Challenge your inner critic, celebrate your personal strength. New York: MJF Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mesquita, B., Barrett, L. F., & Smith, E. R. (Eds.). (2010). The mind in context. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, D. T. (1999). The norm of self-interest. American Psychologist, 54, 1053–1060.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Miles, S. H. (2009). Oath betrayed: America’s torture doctors. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mischel, W., & Shoda, Y. (2008). Toward a unified theory of personality: Integrating dispositions and processing dynamics within the cognitive-affective processing system. In O. P. John, R. W. Robins, & L. A. Pervin (Eds.), Handbook of personality: Theory and research (pp. 208–241). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miymoto, Y., & Ji, L.-J. (2011). Power fosters context-independent, analytic cognition. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 37, 1449–1458.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mruk, C. (1995). Self-esteem: Research, theory and practice. New York: Springer Publishing Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mueser, K. T., & Marcello-Duva, S. (2011). Schizophrenia. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of clinical psychology (pp. 469–503). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murray, S. L., & Holmes, J. G. (2011). Interdependent minds: The dynamics of clore relationships. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nock, M. K., Cha, C. B., & Dour, H. J. (2011). Disorders of impulse control and self-harm. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of clinical psychology (pp. 504–529). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Norcross, J. C., Gallagher, K. M., & Prochaska, I. O. (1989). The Boulder and/or the Veil model: Training preferences of clinical psychologists. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45, 822–828.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ollendick, T. H., & Shirk, S. R. (2011). Clinical interventions with children and adolescents: Current status, future directions. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of clinical psychology (pp. 762–788). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Otto, M. W., & Applebaum, A. J. (2011). The nature and treatment of bipolar disorder and the bipolar spectrum. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of clinical psychology (pp. 294–310). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pervin, L. A. (Ed.). (1990). Handbook of personality theory and research. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pervin, L. A., & John, O. P. (Eds.). (1999). Handbook of personality: Theory and research. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phares, E. J. (1976). Locus of control in personality. Morristown, N.J.: General Learning Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phipps, S. (2011). Positive psychology and war: An oxymoron. American Psychologist, 66, 641–642.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Quick, J. C. (2011). Missing critical and skeptical perspectives on comprehensive soldier fitness. American Psychologist, 66, 645.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reisch, G. A. (2005). How the cold war transformed philosophy of science: To the icy slopes of logic. New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenthal, H. G. (Ed.). (2011a). Favorite counseling and therapy homework assignments (2nd ed.). New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Russell, D., Peplau, L. A., & Cutrona, C. E. (1980). The revised UCLA loneliness scale. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 39, 461–480.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schuilteiss, O. C. (2008). Implicit motives. In O. P. John, R. W. Robins, & L. A. Pervin (Eds.), Handbook of personality: Theory and research (pp. 603–622). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Authentic happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Helping American soldiers in time of war: Reply to comments on the comprehensive soldier fitness issue. American Psychologist, 66, 646–647.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sharot, T., (2011, June 6). The optimism bias. Time, pp. 38–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shoda, Y., Cervone, D., & Downey, G. (Eds.). (2007). Persons in context: Building a science of the individual. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shore, M. F. (1993). Research: The latest magic wand. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 63, 4–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sibley, C. G., & Overall, N. C. (2010). Modeling the hierarchical structure of personality-attachment associations: Domain diffusion versus domain differentiation. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 27, 47–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smyth, J. M., & L’Abate, L. (2001). A meta-analytic evaluation of workbook effectiveness in physical and mental health. In L. L’Abate (Ed.), Distance writing and computer-assisted interventions in psychiatry and mental heath (pp. 77–90). Westport, CT: Ablex.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stevens, F. E., & L’Abate, L. (1989). Validity and reliability of a theory-derived measure of intimacy. American Journal of Family Therapy, 17, 359–368.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • VandenBos, G. (Ed.). (2007). APA dictionary of psychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weiner, B. (1990). Attribution in personality psychology. In L. A. Pervin (Ed.), Handbook of personality theory and research (pp. 465–485). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • White, R. F. (2011). Cognitive disorders in adults. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of clinical psychology (pp. 574–598). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Widiger, T. A., & Edmundson, M. (2011). Diagnosic, dimensions, and DSM-5. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of clinical psychology (pp. 254–278). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Witkin, H. A., Dyk, R. B., Faterson, H. E., Goodenough, D. R., & Karp, S. A. (1963). Psychological differentiation. Potomac, MD: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Woody, S. R., Weisz, J. O., & McLean, C. (2005). Empirically supported treatments 10 years later. Newsletter: Society of Clinical Psychology, 58, 5–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

L’Abate, L. (2013). The Criterion of Concreteness: Seven Psychological Orphans in Search of a Theory—Toward a Neo-Behaviorist View. In: Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy as a Science. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4451-0_6

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics