Paper Summary:

This paper looks at the Gestalt theory, pioneered by Max Wertheimer in 1924, which attempts to examines the underlying causes of things by going back to the basic principles of science instead of just looking at something on its surface. In particular, it analyzes how it may be helpful in treating patients who have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder or some other form of social phobia or antisocial behavior. It attempts to explain the both the theory and the disorder and then tie them together in order to clearly understand how the theory can be used in the modification of behavior in individuals with social anxiety and how many individuals can be helped and freed from the self-imposed prison that their disorder has created.

From the Paper:

"Those therapists who use Gestalt theory in the modern day often feel that it is very helpful in treating all kinds of anxiety and depression. Naturally, it is not the only therapy that is used, as existential, psychoanalytic, and behavioral therapies, among others, are also popular with anxiety and depression troubled individuals. It is, however, one of the leading therapies used for aging patients who have difficulty coping with the losses that often come with living a long time such as poor health, the death of a spouse, or unexpected parenting of grandchildren (Solomon, 1996). It is also popular with many other age groups and many different types of anxiety, including social anxiety."

Visitors who viewed this Essay also liked these:

• Research Paper # 128964 : "Anxiety Disorders and Some Ways of Treating Them"
• Comparison Essay # 3599 : "Cognitive Development Theory and Social Learning in UK Education"
• Essay # 25320 : "Max Wertheimer's Gestalt Theory of Psychology"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: