Nonlinear dynamics in psychology

Abstract

This article provides a survey of the applications of nonlinear dynamical systems theory to substantive problems encountered in the full scope of psychological science. Applications are organized into three topical areas – cognitive science, social and organizational psychology, and personality and clinical psychology. Both theoretical and empirical studies are considered with an emphasis on works that capture the broadest scope of issues that are of substantive interest to psychological theory. A budding literature on the implications of NDS principles in professional practice is reported also.

Keywords

• Nonlinear dynamics; Chaos; Cognition; Organizations; Personality; Psychotherapy; Social psychology.