Self and Society

'Based on an admirably thorough exposition of modern thought and research in the psychological and social sciences, Drew Westen presents here a brilliant, intellectually exhilarating effort to transcend, by means of a new theoretical formulation, the artificial divisions in our knowledge about individuals and about cultures.' Marie Jahoda, University of Sussex

'This is a notable attempt to integrate contemporary personality theory and contemporary theories in anthropology around the concept of psychological need. It is an impressive overview of a psychocultural approach to social theory that takes into account usually neglected psychological variables. A cogent and compelling work, it will provoke thought and response in its readers.' Professor George DeVos, University of California, Berkeley

Preface; Part I. A Theory of Personality: 1. Personality theory: the three faces of psyche; 2. Emotion: a missing link between psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural psychology?; 3. The structure and dynamics of personality; 4. The development of personality, narcissism, and moral judgment; Part II. A Theory of Culture: 5. Social theory in sociology and anthropology; 6. Societal structure and dynamics; 7. The development of collectivism and the culture ideal; Part III. Personality and Culture: A Synthesis: 8. Culture and personality: dying species or vigorous hybrid?; 9. Psychic and sociocultural structure and dynamics; 10. Personality and communitarian collectivism; 11. The psychodynamics of modernization; 12. Personality and sociocultural change; 13. Breakdown and recovery: paradigmatic processes in personal identity and cultural integration; 14. Personality and individuation; References; Index.