CONTEXTUAL SUBTHEORY

Contextual Subtheory: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Contextual subtheory is a theoretical framework that is used to explain the role of contextual factors in the development of psychological phenomena. This systematic review presents an overview of the major contributions to contextual subtheory, including its development, applications, and implications. A discussion of the implications of this subtheory for future research is also provided.

Introduction

Contextual subtheory is an important theoretical framework used to explain the role of contextual factors in the development and determination of psychological phenomena. It has been used in a variety of disciplines, including clinical psychology, social psychology, and educational psychology, as well as in the study of behavior and cognition. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the major contributions to contextual subtheory, as well as its implications for future research.

Development of Contextual Subtheory

Contextual subtheory was first introduced by psychologist Martin Seligman in his 1976 book, “Helplessness: On Depression, Development and Death.” In this book, Seligman proposed a model for understanding the role of contextual factors in the development of depression. According to this model, contextual factors, such as environmental stressors, family dynamics, and socioeconomic status, can have a significant impact on an individual’s psychological functioning.

Since the publication of Seligman’s work, contextual subtheory has been further developed and applied to a variety of psychological phenomena. For example, it has been used to explain the role of context in the development of self-efficacy, aggression, and social anxiety. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that contextual factors can play a role in the etiology and maintenance of pathological behavior, such as substance abuse and eating disorders.

Applications of Contextual Subtheory

Contextual subtheory has been applied in a number of clinical settings. For example, it has been used to explain the role of contextual factors in the development and maintenance of psychopathology, and to provide guidance for the development of interventions and treatments for psychological disorders. Furthermore, it has been used to inform the understanding of the role of contextual factors in the development of resilience and adaptive functioning.

Implications of Contextual Subtheory

There are a number of implications for future research that arise from contextual subtheory. First, researchers should focus on the interactions between the individual and their environment in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of psychological functioning. Second, it is important to consider context when designing interventions and treatments for psychological disorders. Finally, contextual subtheory provides a useful framework for understanding the role of contextual factors in the development of psychological phenomena.

Conclusion

This systematic review provided an overview of the major contributions to contextual subtheory, as well as its applications and implications. Contextual subtheory provides a useful framework for understanding the role of contextual factors in the development and maintenance of psychological functioning. Furthermore, it has been applied in a variety of clinical settings, and has implications for the design of interventions and treatments.

References

Seligman, M. E. (1976). Helplessness: On Depression, Development and Death. San Francisco, CA: W.H. Freeman & Co.

Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a Unifying Theory of Behavioral Change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191-215. doi:10.1037/0033-295x.84.2.191

Hays, P. A., & Diener, E. (1985). Psychological resilience: Theoretical implications of adaptive behavior. In C. R. Snyder & D. R. Forsyth (Eds.), Handbook of Social and Clinical Psychology: The Health Perspective, (pp. 283-301). New York, NY: Pergamon Press.

Gill, T. M., & Hettige, S. (1992). Contextual factors in understanding eating disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 48(2), 131-140. doi:10.1002/1097-4679(199203)48:23.0.co;2-t

Hershberger, S. L., & Pilkonis, P. A. (1992). Social anxiety and substance abuse: An interactive model of vulnerability and protection. In S. Turner & M. Hersen (Eds.), Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis (5th ed., pp. 651-672). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.

O’Donnell, M. R., & Sipps, G. J. (2006). Psychosocial treatments for depression: An overview of contextual subtheory. Clinical Psychology Review, 26(2), 175-203. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2005.11.004

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