| Abstract: | Reviews some of J. Habermas's (1984, 1987) basic constructs in the theory of communicative action (CA), including the intersubjective model, types of human action, validity claims and principles of CA, and a matrix of validity claims and general principles. The application of the principles, background, and validity claims of the theory of CA to psychotherapy is discussed. The relation between psychotherapy and social systems is addressed. For example, communicative and strategic social systems are described, and a short therapeutic case illustration of a 26-yr-old bulimic woman presents the use of the matrix for determining violations of CA or type of strategic action. The theory of CA is then summarized. The 3 principles of CA and the 3 validity claims of truth, conduct, and rightness are described as they relate to strategic and instrumental action. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
