Graphing the Self: An application of graph theory to memetic self-mapping in psychotherapy

The benefits of using mathematical concepts are frequently overlooked in qualitative inquiry. In this paper Graph Theory (GT) is applied to a series of two dimensional representations of the self used to illustrate the therapeutic progress of a suicidal youth and to a young mother coping with depression.  These self-maps are shown to be equivalent to GT networks with the memes of the self-maps corresponding to GT vertices, the pair-wise relationships between memes corresponding to GT edges, and the time evolution of the self-mapping diagrams corresponding to GT sequence analysis. Consideration is given to the notion that the self so mapped functions as a small world network with emotive psychological triggers serving as “long range” connections. The advantages of using an interactive Graphical User Interface and GT metrics for client centered therapy and future research applications in social science are discussed

Tailoring University Counselling Services to Aboriginal and International Students: Lessons from Native and International Student Centres at a Canadian University

Critics have suggested that the practice of psychology is based on ethnocentric assumptions that do not necessarily apply to non-European cultures, resulting in the underutilization of counselling centres by minority populations. Few practical, culturally appropriate alternatives have flowed from these concerns. This paper reviews experiences from a doctoral-level practicum in counselling psychology that targeted aboriginal and international university students outside of the mainstream counselling services at a western Canadian university over a two-year period. It recommends an integrated approach, combining assessment, learning strategy skills, and counselling skills while incorporating community development methodology. The paper concludes with recommendations for counsellor training that will enhance services to both international and aboriginal students.  Certaines critiques ont suggéré que la pratique de la psychologie est basée sur des hypothèses ethnocentriques qui ne s’appliquent pas nécessairement aux cultures non européennes, avec pour résultat que les centres de consultation psychologique sont sous utilisés par les minorités ethniques. En pratique, peu d’alternatives adaptées culturellement ont découlé de ces préoccupations. Ce texte passe en revue l’expérience d’un practicum de niveau de doctorat sur la thérapie psychologique qui visait des étudiants universitaires autochtones ou étrangers à l’extérieur du réseau traditionnel des services de thérapie dans une université de l’ouest canadien sur une période de deux ans. Il recommande une approche intégrée combinant évaluation, compétences en stratégie d’apprentissage, et compétences de conseillers tout en incorporant une méthodologie de développement communautaire. Le texte conclut par des recommandations pour de la formation de thérapeutes qui va améliorer les services aux étudiants autochtones et étrangers

Graphing the Self: An application of graph theory to memetic self-mapping in psychotherapy

The benefits of using mathematical concepts are frequently overlooked in qualitative inquiry. In this paper Graph Theory (GT) is applied to a series of two dimensional representations of the self used to illustrate the therapeutic progress of a suicidal youth and to a young mother coping with depression.  These self-maps are shown to be equivalent to GT networks with the memes of the self-maps corresponding to GT vertices, the pair-wise relationships between memes corresponding to GT edges, and the time evolution of the self-mapping diagrams corresponding to GT sequence analysis. Consideration is given to the notion that the self so mapped functions as a small world network with emotive psychological triggers serving as “long range” connections. The advantages of using an interactive Graphical User Interface and GT metrics for client centered therapy and future research applications in social science are discussed

The memetic self: understanding the self using a visual mapping technique

Bibliography: p. 317-341Some pages are in colou

Implications of a Culturally Evolved Self for Notions of Free Will

Most schools in psychology have emphasized individual choice despite evidence of genetic and cultural determinism. It is suggested in this paper that the rejection of classical behaviorism by psychology and other humanities flowed from deeply held cultural assumptions about volition and free will. While compatibilists have suggested that notions of free will and determinism are not mutually exclusive, the psychological mechanisms by which such an accommodation could be explained have been inadequately explored. Drawing on research into classical cultures, this paper builds an argument that the notion of free will was adaptive flowing from culturally evolved changes to the self, and that this “evolved self,” containing assumptions of personal volition, continuity, and reason, became benchmarks of what it means to be human. The paper proposes a model of a culturally evolved self that is compatible with understandings of free will and determinism. Implications for therapeutic practice and future research are discussed

Le self-mapping en counselling : utilisation de la cartographie mémétique pour améliorer la réflectivité du client et l’efficacité thérapeutique

Combining theory and practice, this article demonstrates how the construct of the self may be represented graphically with implications for our understanding of self-determination and counselling. It begins with a review of attempted graphic self-representations in psychology, social work, and education. The self is then situated ontologically within the perspective of cultural evolution, and this paradigm is used to inform the construction of maps consisting of units of culture called memes. Graphic self-maps of two individuals, one in counselling and one not, are compared and contrasted. The self-maps depict self-defining cognitive structures combined with psychological and environmental determinants. It is proposed that such graphic illustrations could benefit counsellors and their clients in planning and executing transformative change. Further research is recommended that explores the effect of self-mapping on client empowerment, the structure of client selves, and the use of mapped cognitive pathways in treatment.Alliant théorie et pratique, cet article démontre de quelle façon il est possible de représenter de façon graphique la construction du soi, ce qui se répercute sur notre compréhension de l’autodétermination et du counseling. L’article s’ouvre sur un examen des tentatives d’autoreprésentation graphique en psychologie, en travail social, et en éducation. Le soi est alors situé ontologiquement dans la perspective de l’évolution culturelle, et ce paradigme permet de documenter la construction de cartes composes d’unités de culture, appelées mèmes. On compare et contraste les autoreprésentations graphiques de deux personnes, l’une qui oeuvre en counseling et l’autre pas. Les autoreprésentations (self-maps) dépeignent des structures cognitives autodéfinies conjuguées à des déterminants psychologiques et environnementaux. On y suggère que de telles illustrations graphiques pourraient s’avérer utiles aux conseillers et à leurs clients pour la planification et l’exécution du changement transformateur. On recommande de mener d’autres recherches pour explorer l’effet du self-mapping sur l’habilitation du client, la structure du soi chez les clients, et le recours à des parcours cognitifs cartographiés dans le cadre du traitement

THE TRAUMA OF COLONIZATION: A PSYCHO-HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF ONE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY IN THE NORTH AMERICAN “NORTHWEST”

Este artículo examina dos modelos de trauma masivo aplicados a las condiciones sociales e historia de una comunidad indígena en los bosques boreales del norte de Canadá. Este examen de la historia colonial de la comunidad no descubrió evidencia de trauma histórico como patología relacionada al proceso general de colonización de las Américas. Lo que si emergió fue evidencia de un síndrome relacionado con la asistencia a escuelas indígenas residenciales en regiones específicas. No está claro si este síndrome es distinto al trastorno de estrés postraumático. Se sugiere que el traspaso intergeneracional de esta sintomatología incluiría mecanismos culturales que influyen en su autoconstrucción. Desarrollo comunitario se propone como método para mejorar las culturas locales. El uso de análisis psico histórico se recomienda para investigaciones futuras

An Application of PLAR in the Development of the Aboriginal Self: One College’s Experience

Some forms of prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) invite self-reflection and the generation of new knowledge leading to self-growth in granting credit for past experiential learning. This paper examines the experience of a northern Canadian community college using PLAR portfolio development to assist in individual self-growth among people of aboriginal ancestry. The author reviews the theoretical underpinning behind the notion that PLAR may be used in identity construction and reviews some of the historical circumstances affecting the development of aboriginal selves. Divergent views of participants who had completed PLAR facilitator training on portfolio development are examined. Ethical concerns are raised, and guidelines are proposed for the use of PLAR in portfolio development and identity construction

Graphing the Self: An application of graph theory to memetic self-mapping in psychotherapy

The benefits of using mathematical concepts are frequently overlooked in qualitative inquiry. In this paper Graph Theory (GT) is applied to a series of two dimensional representations of the self used to illustrate the therapeutic progress of a suicidal youth and to a young mother coping with depression.  These self-maps are shown to be equivalent to GT networks with the memes of the self-maps corresponding to GT vertices, the pair-wise relationships between memes corresponding to GT edges, and the time evolution of the self-mapping diagrams corresponding to GT sequence analysis. Consideration is given to the notion that the self so mapped functions as a small world network with emotive psychological triggers serving as “long range” connections. The advantages of using an interactive Graphical User Interface and GT metrics for client centered therapy and future research applications in social science are discussed.A menudo no se presta atención a los beneficios de usar conceptos matemáticos en la investigación cualitativa. En este artículo se aplica la teoría de grafos (TG) a series de representaciones de dos dimensiones del sí mismo usadas para ilustrar el progreso terapéutico de un joven suicida y de una madre afrontando una depresión. Estos auto-mapas se presentan como equivalentes a redes de TG con los memes de auto-mapas correspondientes a los vértices de la TG, las relaciones por pares entre memes correspondientes a los extremos de la TG i a la evolución temporal de los diagrama auto-mapa correspondientes al análisis secuencial de la TG. Se tiene en consideración a la noción que las funciones de mapeo del sí mismo como una red de un pequeño mundo con desencadenantes psicológicos de emociones haciendo de conexiones de "largo alcance". Las ventajas de utilizar una interfaz gráfica del usuario interactiva y métricas de TG para la terapia centrada en el cliente y se discuten futuras aplicaciones a la investigación en ciencias sociales