Organismic Theory: Definition, History and Characteristics
Organismic theory is a theoretical perspective in psychology that emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual within their environment. It proposes that the individual is an organized, unified whole, and that their behavior is the result of an interaction between the individual’s capacities, experiences, and environment. This theory was first proposed by Max Wertheimer in the 1920s, and has since been developed and extended by many other theorists in various areas of psychology.
Definition
Organismic theory is defined as a theoretical perspective that emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual as an integrated, unified whole. It is based on the idea that the individual possesses certain capacities and experiences, and is influenced by the environment in which they live. This theory views the individual as an organized, unified system, and proposes that behavior results from the interaction between the individual’s capacities, experiences, and environment.
History
Organismic theory was first proposed by Max Wertheimer in the 1920s. Wertheimer was a German psychologist who was interested in the concept of Gestalt, which is the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Wertheimer proposed that the individual is an organized, unified system, and that behavior is the result of an interaction between the individual’s capacities, experiences, and environment. Wertheimer’s work has been extended and refined by many other theorists in various areas of psychology, including Carl Rogers, Jean Piaget, and Abraham Maslow.
Characteristics
Organismic theory has several key characteristics that differentiate it from other psychological perspectives. First, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual within their environment. This means that the individual’s behavior must be viewed in relation to their environment, and not as a separate entity. Second, this theory views the individual as an organized, unified system, and proposes that behavior results from the interaction between the individual’s capacities, experiences, and environment. Finally, this theory stresses the importance of recognizing the individual’s unique capacities and experiences, as well as the unique characteristics of their environment.
Conclusion
Organismic theory is a theoretical perspective in psychology that emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual within their environment. It proposes that the individual is an organized, unified whole, and that their behavior is the result of an interaction between the individual’s capacities, experiences, and environment. This theory was first proposed by Max Wertheimer in the 1920s, and has since been developed and extended by many other theorists in various areas of psychology.
References
Brewer, W. F. (2000). Interaction of Person and Environment. In D. Cervone & W. F. Brewer (Eds.), The Handbook of Social Psychology, (4th ed., pp. 778-816). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Rogers, C. R. (1959). A Theory of Therapy, Personality, and Interpersonal Relationships as Developed in the Client-Centered Framework. In S. Koch (Ed.), Psychology: A Study of a Science, (Vol. 3, pp. 184-256). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Wertheimer, M. (1945). Productive Thinking. New York: Harper & Brothers.