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Crisis theory: Critique and reformulation

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Abstract

Building a “crisis theory” by using pure homeostatic notions or psychoanalytic constructs is criticized. A review of crisis observations and their implications indicates that a cognitive perspective can serve as a theoretical framework: such a perspective is sketched with representative references. It is argued that several worthwhile possibilities follow from the use of a cognitive perspective: generation of systematic knowledge about crisis; an approach to research definitions; a series of new ways of conceiving of crisis intervention; spread of effect in manpower; and a broad approach to crisis prevention. Finally, a philosophy of science note supporting the looser perspective (versus tighter theory) is offered.

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Taplin, J.R. Crisis theory: Critique and reformulation. Community Ment Health J 7, 13–23 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01434728

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