Cognitive Psychodynamics offers an important new integration ofcognitive science and psychodynamic psychology that provides acommon language across disciplines while presenting an explicittheoretical basis for understanding the processes that bring aboutchange. Written by Mardi J. Horowitz, one of the world's leadingpsychological theoreticians, this trailblazing work provides ananalysis of both conscious and unconscious mental processes and thedevelopment of identity and relationships. The book is organized around three theoretical constructs: statesof mind; defensive control processes used to regulate emotion; andperson schemas, the cognitive maps that organize patterns ofrelationships and identity. Initial chapters present theinformation processing of emotional themes. The book then addresseshow people form a meaningful identity during development and howthey deal with the conflict between self-striving andresponsibility to others. Starting with smaller systems that represent ideas and feelings,the material builds toward larger systems that tackle complexissues such as the nature of identity, the basis of attachments toothers, and why maladaptive relationship cycles get repeateddespite their destructive nature. Bridging the gap between theoryand clinical practice, the book addresses crucial concepts ofchange -- how people become self-aware, how enhanced awareness canlead to insight, and how insight can lead to new decisions that canalter fundamental attitudes and lead to adaptive changes inbehavioral patterns. Interesting case examples anchor theory toobservable human predicaments, and to concrete ways in which changecan occur. Cognitive Psychodynamics offers an original perspective on issuesof emotional conflict and character development that will bewelcomed by psychologists, psychiatrists, researchers, andscholars, as well as professors and students in the behavioral andsocial sciences.
"It is refreshing to encounter an integrative reframing of the current status of psychodynamic theory and practice. . . . Professor Horowitz lays out a [clear] approach to assessment and psychotherapy . . . livened by brief, effective case studies."--Jerome L. Singer, Professor of Psychology and Child Study Center, Yale University MARDI J. HOROWITZ, M.D., is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California-San Francisco and Director of the Center on Stress and Personality at the Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute. A recognized authority on theory building in psychodynamics, Dr. Horowitz is the author of an influential series of clinical works. His books include Stress Response Syndromes, States of Mind, Person Schemas and Maladaptive Interpersonal Patterns, Hysterical Personality Style and the Histrionic Personality Disorder, and Formulation as a Basis for Planning Psychotherapy. | 
