A1 Journal article (refereed)
Suggested metatheory for positive psychology : The organismic systems theory (2024)

Maurer, M. M. (2024). Suggested metatheory for positive psychology : The organismic systems theory. International Journal of Wellbeing, 14(3), Article 2547. https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v14i3.2547

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Maurer, Mia M.

Journal or series: International Journal of Wellbeing

eISSN: 1179-8602

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 01/10/2024

Volume: 14

Issue number: 3

Article number: 2547

Publisher: International Journal of Wellbeing

Publication country: New Zealand

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v14i3.2547

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/98327

Abstract

Positive psychology has been criticized among other things for its lack of a metatheory that would explicate its underlying philosophical assumptions and epistemology as well as give direction for methodology and the forming of constructs, models and theories. This article sets out to suggest a metatheory for positive psychology, combining the systems approach (systems-informed positive psychology, Kern et al., 2019) together with the organismic theory inherent in philosophy of science, biology, neurology and psychology. The suggested metatheory is called organismic systems theory (OST), explicating the following assumptions for PP: 1) active individual (actualizing tendency), 2) functional tendency, 3) integration, 4) emergence, 5) dynamism, 6) self-organization, 7) interconnectedness, 8) holism, 9) subjectivity, 10) boundaries, and 11) adaptation. The systems approach is considered compatible with the organismic approach with their combination suggested to provide the field with a good theory that combines psychological-level inquiry with more general systems-level inquiry. The epistemology and implications of this metatheory for positive psychology are discussed.

Keywords: humanistic psychology; positive psychology; metatheories; system theory

Free keywords: humanistic psychology; metatheory; organismic theory; organismic valuing process; positive psychology; systems theory

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2024

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1