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Theory & Psychology, Vol. 17, No. 2, 323-351 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0959354307075048
© 2007 SAGE Publications

Going Beyond the Internal—External Dichotomy in Clinical Psychology

The Theory of Interpersonal Defense as an Example of a Participatory Model

Michael A. Westerman

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, michael.westerman{at}nyu.edu

Edward M. Steen

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, eqs1355{at}nyu.edu

Thinking in terms of a dichotomy between `internal' processes, on the one hand, and behaviors and events in the `external' world, on the other, is a pervasive, problematic feature of work in clinical psychology. Although there have been calls for rejecting this approach, it remains far from clear how to move beyond it. The authors address this issue by presenting a framework for participatory accounts. This framework is based on a philosophical perspective that takes as its starting point the person involved in practical activities. It includes five points about substantive and methodological matters. The authors illustrate the participatory approach by discussing a new conceptualization of defense processes called the theory of interpersonal defense in order to (a) show that going beyond the internal—external dichotomy can lead to fresh insights in a substantive area of inquiry, and (b) provide an example that can serve as a guide for investigators interested in approaching other issues in clinical psychology in a manner based on the participatory framework.

Key Words: Cartesian framework • defenses • discourse • dysfunctional interpersonal behavior • internal—external dichotomy • hermeneutics • limits of inquiry • participatory accounts • practices • self-fulfilling prophecies

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This Article
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Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (2)
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Right arrow Articles by Westerman, M. A.
Right arrow Articles by Steen, E. M.
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