Yearbook of Idiographic Science – serie

YIS has been thought as an annual series of volumes collecting contributes aimed at developing the integration of idiographic and nomothetic approaches in psychological and more in general social science. At the beginning, 3 years ago, we got an agreement with an Italian publisher (FGP - Firera Publishing Group) interested in the scientific project and therefore willing to help the start up of this scientific enterprise. After publishing the first volume (YIS 2008- yet published in 2009 - the Volume is freely available on the FPG's website) we have had many positive feedbacks and signals of interests, as well as several submissions, from many parts of the world . This has provided an acceleration of the following issues - Above all, this led us to realize that it was time to give an editorial collocation to YIS that can be more consistent with the interest it has raised and that can ulteriorly raise. FPG does not put constraint on this perspective, being aware and agreed of the necessity of a worldwide context for the YIS's development. Moreover, there are no constraints in the possibility of going on in using the label "YIS", starting from Volume 4 The Series addresses a quite large potential public - students and researchers interested to theoretical and methodological development of psychology and, more in general, social science. Persons engaged with qualitative, dynamic informed models of analysis will find YIS a precious tool as well as a context enabling to develop a worlwide network of practices and cultures of research. The first three volumes' TOC witness how large and constantly increasing is the interest around the scientific project.

YIS has been thought as an annual series of volumes collecting contributes aimed at developing the integration of idiographic and nomothetic approaches in psychological and more in general social science. At the beginning, 3 years ago, we got an agreement with an Italian publisher (FGP - Firera Publishing Group) interested in the scientific project and therefore willing to help the start up of this scientific enterprise. After publishing the first volume (YIS 2008- yet published in 2009 - the Volume is freely available on the FPG's website) we have had many positive feedbacks and signals of interests, as well as several submissions, from many parts of the world . This has provided an acceleration of the following issues - Above all, this led us to realize that it was time to give an editorial collocation to YIS that can be more consistent with the interest it has raised and that can ulteriorly raise. FPG does not put constraint on this perspective, being aware and agreed of the necessity of a worldwide context for the YIS's development. Moreover, there are no constraints in the possibility of going on in using the label "YIS", starting from Volume 4 The Series addresses a quite large potential public - students and researchers interested to theoretical and methodological development of psychology and, more in general, social science. Persons engaged with qualitative, dynamic informed models of analysis will find YIS a precious tool as well as a context enabling to develop a worlwide network of practices and cultures of research. The first three volumes' TOC witness how large and constantly increasing is the interest around the scientific project.

The volume represents the continuing of a the Yearbook of Idiographic Science project, born in 2009 and developed through an annual series of volumes collecting contributes aimed at developing the integration of idiographic and nomothetic approaches in psychology and more in general social science.This year's YIS project received many positive feedbacks and signals of interest, as well as several submissions, from many parts of the world. This fifth volume directs attention to relevant and actual psycho-social phenomena as the development of identity in terms of self identity, social identity and local.identityThe volume is directed to students, researchers and clinicians, interested in deepenig theoretical and methodological issues and improve clinical practices and research cultures.

The volume represents the continuing of a the Yearbook of Idiographic Science project, born in 2009 and developed through an annual series of volumes collecting contributes aimed at developing the integration of idiographic and nomothetic approaches in psychology and more in general social science.This year's YIS project received many positive feedbacks and signals of interest, as well as several submissions, from many parts of the world. This fifth volume directs attention to relevant and actual psycho-social phenomena as the development of identity in terms of self identity, social identity and local.identityThe volume is directed to students, researchers and clinicians, interested in deepenig theoretical and methodological issues and improve clinical practices and research cultures.

The concept of health is a challenge of great complexity in terms of theoretical, methodological and intervention within the idiographic frame.Health cannot be considered an abstract condition, but a means, a resource aimed at achieving objectives that relate to the ability of people to lead their lives in a productive way - individually, socially, and economically. Health is a process that is not based on the definition of standards and categories on the basis of which typifying the states of health. Rather, it has to be considered a process, on a large scale and on many entangled levels, aimed at generating a culture of the health as a resource for individuals and communities and to promote skills needed to transform these resources into developmental goals.The notion of health, indeed, defined and interpreted in terms of "state" and not of process, meets the immediate paradox of being an indicator of normativity by reason of which we risk a proliferation of new and potentially infinite forms of "deviation". The approach of the idiographic sciences (see previous volumes of the Yearbook Idiographic Science Series, by same publisher IAP) considers that every psychological process (but in general every process, from organic to the social and cultural ones) is characterized by a contextual, situated and contingent dynamics. That dynamics is always characterized by a never-ending opening of its cycles and great variability. Conditions of stagnation and hypostatization are characteristic of all forms of disease (physical, mental and social) that sclerotize relational links between people and their environments. Health is therefore a process that presents oscillation in the same way of any developmental process that has moments of crisis and rupture in order to re-organize new forms of relationship with the social and cultural environment.This book represent a fruitful way to deep many cogent issues and to dialogue with an idiographic perspective in order to discuss the concept of health, to define its cultural meanings and possible polysemy (e.g., wellness, care, hygiene, quality of life, resilience, prevention, healing, deviation/normality, subjective potentiality for development, etc.), its areas of pertinence and intervention (somatic, psychological, social) trying to offer possible alternatives to the "normalization" of health and creating new incentives for the reflection.

The concept of health is a challenge of great complexity in terms of theoretical, methodological and intervention within the idiographic frame.Health cannot be considered an abstract condition, but a means, a resource aimed at achieving objectives that relate to the ability of people to lead their lives in a productive way - individually, socially, and economically. Health is a process that is not based on the definition of standards and categories on the basis of which typifying the states of health. Rather, it has to be considered a process, on a large scale and on many entangled levels, aimed at generating a culture of the health as a resource for individuals and communities and to promote skills needed to transform these resources into developmental goals.The notion of health, indeed, defined and interpreted in terms of "state" and not of process, meets the immediate paradox of being an indicator of normativity by reason of which we risk a proliferation of new and potentially infinite forms of "deviation". The approach of the idiographic sciences (see previous volumes of the Yearbook Idiographic Science Series, by same publisher IAP) considers that every psychological process (but in general every process, from organic to the social and cultural ones) is characterized by a contextual, situated and contingent dynamics. That dynamics is always characterized by a never-ending opening of its cycles and great variability. Conditions of stagnation and hypostatization are characteristic of all forms of disease (physical, mental and social) that sclerotize relational links between people and their environments. Health is therefore a process that presents oscillation in the same way of any developmental process that has moments of crisis and rupture in order to re-organize new forms of relationship with the social and cultural environment.This book represent a fruitful way to deep many cogent issues and to dialogue with an idiographic perspective in order to discuss the concept of health, to define its cultural meanings and possible polysemy (e.g., wellness, care, hygiene, quality of life, resilience, prevention, healing, deviation/normality, subjective potentiality for development, etc.), its areas of pertinence and intervention (somatic, psychological, social) trying to offer possible alternatives to the "normalization" of health and creating new incentives for the reflection.

Ivan P. Pavlov was a pioneering Russian physiologist whose influence on Russian psychology was politically emphasized in 1930s to 1950s. He was a brilliant experimenter who received 1904 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on the digestive system. Less is known about his epistemology of generalization that made it possible to study one individual for the sake of obtaining generalized knowledge. In this volume we analyze the major contributions of Pavlov from the standpoint of idiographic science, and demonstrate how generalizations in science are possible from single specimens.

Ivan P. Pavlov was a pioneering Russian physiologist whose influence on Russian psychology was politically emphasized in 1930s to 1950s. He was a brilliant experimenter who received 1904 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on the digestive system. Less is known about his epistemology of generalization that made it possible to study one individual for the sake of obtaining generalized knowledge. In this volume we analyze the major contributions of Pavlov from the standpoint of idiographic science, and demonstrate how generalizations in science are possible from single specimens.

Reflexivity is a category that is too appealing not to arouse interest. It is a concept largely diffused in several psychological domains, as well as associated with epistemological, theoretical, methodological and practical discussions. At the same time, it is a very polysemic notion, understood and used in many different ways.If one approaches the notion and tries to identify the semantic boundaries of its usage, the seeming solidity of the term fades away, and a rather liquid semantic field emerges – a field where several interpretations coexist, being contingent to the context of the discussion in which they are implemented. This is the reason that makes the notion of reflexivity a prototypical example of the difficulties encountered by Psychology – and more in general social sciences –in the effort to define their own language. The term “reflexivity” - like many others the language of Psychology is full of – is used in daily life and thus its semantics is shaped by the pragmatic, contingent functions it serves in such communicational circumstances. The apparent – from afar - clearness of the concept does not concern its conceptual, epistemic status, but the capacity of the sign to contribute efficaciously to mediate and regulate the exchange.The theoretical elaboration of the notion of reflexivity can be seen as one of the ways of performing the challenging task of developing an intentional language for Psychology. By working on such a notion one can realize that common sense lies at the core of psychological science and what it means to separate the former from the latter, so as to pursue the foundational task of developing Psychology as a theory-driven science.

Reflexivity is a category that is too appealing not to arouse interest. It is a concept largely diffused in several psychological domains, as well as associated with epistemological, theoretical, methodological and practical discussions. At the same time, it is a very polysemic notion, understood and used in many different ways.If one approaches the notion and tries to identify the semantic boundaries of its usage, the seeming solidity of the term fades away, and a rather liquid semantic field emerges – a field where several interpretations coexist, being contingent to the context of the discussion in which they are implemented. This is the reason that makes the notion of reflexivity a prototypical example of the difficulties encountered by Psychology – and more in general social sciences –in the effort to define their own language. The term “reflexivity” - like many others the language of Psychology is full of – is used in daily life and thus its semantics is shaped by the pragmatic, contingent functions it serves in such communicational circumstances. The apparent – from afar - clearness of the concept does not concern its conceptual, epistemic status, but the capacity of the sign to contribute efficaciously to mediate and regulate the exchange.The theoretical elaboration of the notion of reflexivity can be seen as one of the ways of performing the challenging task of developing an intentional language for Psychology. By working on such a notion one can realize that common sense lies at the core of psychological science and what it means to separate the former from the latter, so as to pursue the foundational task of developing Psychology as a theory-driven science.

Methods of Psychological Intervention provides a rich collection of chapters that provide an invaluable resource to scholars, researchers and practitioners in psychology. Psychological interventions are becoming increasingly popular in contemporary societies. This volume is intended to help psychologists and other professionals understand how general psychological knowledge can serve to guide local and particular interventions. The present volume helps bridge the gap between general knowledge in the psychological sciences and particular instances of human behavior as it takes place in everyday life.The volume forms part of the series ‘Yearbook of Idiographic Science’. Authors draw on principles of idiographic science to formulate interventions applicable to a broad diversity of settings and institutions, such as educational settings, organizations, and medical settings. It similarly deals with various psychological behaviours targeted for intervention, such as gambling, family therapy, and crime. The volume will be of interest to scholars, researchers and practitioners working in the fields of psychology, social work, counseling, family therapy, education, organizational behavior & criminal justice.

Methods of Psychological Intervention provides a rich collection of chapters that provide an invaluable resource to scholars, researchers and practitioners in psychology. Psychological interventions are becoming increasingly popular in contemporary societies. This volume is intended to help psychologists and other professionals understand how general psychological knowledge can serve to guide local and particular interventions. The present volume helps bridge the gap between general knowledge in the psychological sciences and particular instances of human behavior as it takes place in everyday life.The volume forms part of the series ‘Yearbook of Idiographic Science’. Authors draw on principles of idiographic science to formulate interventions applicable to a broad diversity of settings and institutions, such as educational settings, organizations, and medical settings. It similarly deals with various psychological behaviours targeted for intervention, such as gambling, family therapy, and crime. The volume will be of interest to scholars, researchers and practitioners working in the fields of psychology, social work, counseling, family therapy, education, organizational behavior & criminal justice.

Life Course of Trauma and Resilience offers a profound exploration into the cultural psychology of resilience throughout the human life course. Drawing from the publicly available autobiography of Danish author Lisbeth Zornig, this book delves into the resilience that emerges from a series of psychologically dramatic and traumatic life events. By analyzing full life courses through idiographic science, this work leverages autobiographies where all original materials are in the public domain. The chapters provide an in-depth examination of the construction of the self in relation to others, the pivotal role of education, and the value of imagination as both a developmental tool and a coping mechanism. Additionally, the book explores the intricate connection between mind, body, and trauma. This innovative approach to the cultural psychology of life course analysis introduces new methodological tools that combine macrogenetic analysis with the study of how semiotic mediators help individuals develop new personal strengths to navigate their lives. Whether you are a scholar, practitioner, or someone interested in the dynamics of resilience, Life Course of Trauma and Resilience presents a comprehensive and insightful perspective on how individuals can overcome adversity and build resilience through their life journeys.

Life Course of Trauma and Resilience offers a profound exploration into the cultural psychology of resilience throughout the human life course. Drawing from the publicly available autobiography of Danish author Lisbeth Zornig, this book delves into the resilience that emerges from a series of psychologically dramatic and traumatic life events. By analyzing full life courses through idiographic science, this work leverages autobiographies where all original materials are in the public domain. The chapters provide an in-depth examination of the construction of the self in relation to others, the pivotal role of education, and the value of imagination as both a developmental tool and a coping mechanism. Additionally, the book explores the intricate connection between mind, body, and trauma. This innovative approach to the cultural psychology of life course analysis introduces new methodological tools that combine macrogenetic analysis with the study of how semiotic mediators help individuals develop new personal strengths to navigate their lives. Whether you are a scholar, practitioner, or someone interested in the dynamics of resilience, Life Course of Trauma and Resilience presents a comprehensive and insightful perspective on how individuals can overcome adversity and build resilience through their life journeys.

Pierre Janet’s work represents one of the most rigorous foundations of modern clinical psychology. Despite its historical marginalisation, his theory of dissociation, methodological rigour, and conception of clinical practice continue to offer conceptual tools of great value for understanding trauma, psychopathology, and therapeutic processes. The Legacy of Pierre Janet: Theory, Method, and Clinical Practice aims to bring Janet’s thought back to the centre of contemporary psychological debate through a critical and selective re-examination of his most significant ideas.Drawing on an in-depth analysis of Janet’s major works and his most emblematic clinical cases, the book argues that his approach represents a paradigmatic example of an idiographic orientation grounded in detailed clinical observation, abductive reasoning, and the integration of theory and practice. The book also addresses the complementarity between idiographic and nomothetic perspectives in Janet’s thought, showing how single-case analysis can yield theoretically meaningful generalisations without reducing psychological phenomena to mere statistical abstractions.Structured into thematic chapters, each devoted to a central aspect of Janetian thought, the volume offers clinicians, researchers, and scholars a coherent framework for understanding the contemporary relevance of Janet’s legacy and its potential contribution to current psychological theory and practice.

Pierre Janet’s work represents one of the most rigorous foundations of modern clinical psychology. Despite its historical marginalisation, his theory of dissociation, methodological rigour, and conception of clinical practice continue to offer conceptual tools of great value for understanding trauma, psychopathology, and therapeutic processes. The Legacy of Pierre Janet: Theory, Method, and Clinical Practice aims to bring Janet’s thought back to the centre of contemporary psychological debate through a critical and selective re-examination of his most significant ideas.Drawing on an in-depth analysis of Janet’s major works and his most emblematic clinical cases, the book argues that his approach represents a paradigmatic example of an idiographic orientation grounded in detailed clinical observation, abductive reasoning, and the integration of theory and practice. The book also addresses the complementarity between idiographic and nomothetic perspectives in Janet’s thought, showing how single-case analysis can yield theoretically meaningful generalisations without reducing psychological phenomena to mere statistical abstractions.Structured into thematic chapters, each devoted to a central aspect of Janetian thought, the volume offers clinicians, researchers, and scholars a coherent framework for understanding the contemporary relevance of Janet’s legacy and its potential contribution to current psychological theory and practice.

The first volume of the Yearbook of Idiographic Science (YIS) was published on 2009. In a nutshell, the idea at the grounds of the YIS project is that idiography and nomothetic are not juxtaposed logics and that the science cannot but be both nomothetic - in the aim - and idiographic - in the modes. About thirteen years later, the sense and the direction of the YIS project envisaged in the first volume’s introduction - together with the difficulties to pursue it - are still alive and valid. Thus, to both celebrate the milestone of the tenth issue and to plan the future, we asked to some colleagues, almost all contributors of previous volumes, to discuss what idiographic science means today, and what can mean tomorrow.The works they have generously provided are very instructive - each of them pictures a peculiar perspective on idiography that enables to recognize old and new challenges, thus paving the way to innovative ideas and directions.