Cognitive-Experiential Theory

Seymour Epstein is Professor Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, where he has held a position since 1953. His major interest has been in developing an integrative theory of personality, which he has set forth in the present book. Over the past several decades he has conducted an active research program on his theory that has received continuous support from the National Institute of Mental Health and extended support from a Research Scientist Award.

• AcknowledgmentsIntroductionPart I. The TheoryChapter 1. The Basic Theory: Two SystemsChapter 2. Evidence in Real Life of Two Modes of Information ProcessingChapter 3. The Content and Organization of the Experiential System: With an Emphasis on Basic Needs and BeliefsChapter 4. Motivation Further Considered and EmotionsChapter 5. Interactions Between and Within the Two Systems: Conflict, Compromises, Synergy, Repression, and DissociationPart 2. Development and AdjustmentChapter 6. DevelopmentChapter 7. Coping and Defense MechanismsChapter 8. The Maladaptive Behavior of Everyday LifeChapter 9. Neurosis, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Psychosis, and AutismChapter 10. DepressionPart 3. Clinical ApplicationsChapter 11. Psychotherapy 1: Constructive Thinking, Cognitive Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral TherapyChapter 12. Psychotherapy 2: Psychodynamic Therapy, Client-centered Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Psychosynthesis, Cognitive-experiential Therapy, RelapseChapter 13. Psychotherapy 3: Communicating with the Experiential System Communicating with the Experiential System Through the Use of FantasyPart 4. Broader ImplicationsChapter 14. Implications

There is no better place than this well-written eponymous book to examine Seymour Epstein's dual-process Cognitive-Experiential Theory and its broad ramifications. It raises a large new set of questions for future researchers to pursue." - Eric Klinger, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Division of Social Sciences, University of Minnesota, Morris