Nonlinear Dynamic Systems Theory: Its Use in Understanding Psychological Development and the Process of Change in Psychoanalysis

ABSTRACT

Nonlinear Dynamic Systems Theory has been used by researchers in development for over 25 years. This paper demonstrates how this theory applies to psychodynamic development throughout the life cycle and illustrates how it can be used to explain change in psychoanalytic treatment.

KEYWORDS:

• Nonlinear dynamic systems theory
• development
• life cycle development
• psychoanalysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Personal Communication.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rona Knight

Rona Knight, PhD, is a child, adolescent, and adult psychoanalyst. She is an assistant professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at the Boston University School of Medicine, a faculty member and child psychoanalysis supervisor at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, and a senior editor of The Psychoanalytic Study of the Child.