Abstract: The field of psychology is characterized by many (sometimes overlapping) theories that seek to explain human behaviour. What is lacking is a more general theory which connects these theories and thus allows researchers to more systematically generate empirically testable predictions. This lack of a general theory might contribute to the replication crisis in psychological sciences and the fact that the implementation of empirically-supported treatments has not led to a reduction of the disease burden associated with mental disorders (treatment-prevalence paradox).
Recently, efforts have been made to develop such a general theory of individual human behaviour; these are rooted in current extensions of evolutionary science which posits that human behaviour can be understood as continuous adaptation to a constantly changing environment facilitated not only by genetic and epigenetic factors but also by social learning, symbolic learning (i.e. language) and experiential learning.
In this CBS Superlab, we want to explore to what extent a general theory of human behaviour can contribute to understanding and ultimately improving psychological interventions. Participants in this CBS Superlab will have the opportunity to learn about and contribute to this new integrative perspective on psychological interventions based on a general theory of human behaviour.
Register to join us here - https://contextualscience.org/superlab_registration
References
1. Muthukrishna M, Henrich J. A problem in theory. Nat Hum Behav 2019; 3: 221–9.
2. Bohannon J. Many psychology papers fail replication test. Science (80)2015; 349: 910–1.
3. Ormel J, Hollon SD, Kessler RC, Cuijpers P, Monroe SM. More treatment but no less
depression: The treatment-prevalence paradox. Clin Psychol Rev 2022; 91: 102111.
4. Hofmann SG, Hayes SC. The Future of Intervention Science: Process-Based Therapy. Clin Psychol Sci 2019; 7: 37–50.
5. Jablonka E, Lamb M. Inheritance Systems and the Extended Synthesis. Cambridge University Press, 2020 DOI:10.1017/9781108685412.