Beyond Systems Thinking: Toward a Unifying Framework for Human Relationships

Abstract

This chapter describes the systematic classification of four basic terms necessary for the construction of psychological theory and a unified clinical psychology. Among these four terms—paradigms, theories, models, and dimensions—the first three lack substantive differentiation and have often been used synonymously or interchangeably. In view of that specious interchangeability, this chapter seeks to define all four terms. In the absence of such distinction, the terms’ synonymity will continue to cause confusion which, in turn, will impede the construction of psychological theory and frustrate ongoing attempts to unify clinical psychology.