Field theory (psychology)

The concept first made its appearance in psychology with roots in the holistic perspective of Gestalt theories.

Lewin's field theory can be expressed by a formula: B = f(p,e), meaning that behavior (B) is a function of the person (p) and their cultural environment (e).

[2] The mind versus the body was a forever evolving concept that received great attention from the likes of Descartes, Locke and Kant.

Field Theory emerged when Lewin considered a person's behavior to consist of many different interactions.

He believed people to have dynamic thoughts, forces, and emotions that shifted their behavior to reflect their present state.

He originally wanted to pursue behaviorism, but later found an interest in Gestalt psychology while volunteering in the German army in 1914.

[1] When Lewin moved to the USA, he had become more involved with real world issues and the need to understand and change human behavior.

His desire and personal involvement with gestalt psychology led to the development of his field theory.

[1] Lewin's field theory emphasized interpersonal conflict, individual personalities, and situational variables.

Drawing from both mathematics and physics, Lewin took the concept of the field, the focus of one's experiences, personal needs, and topography to map spatial relationships.

To display this psychological field, Lewin constructed "topological maps" that showed inter-related areas and indicated the directions of people's goals.

[5] The idea that an individual's behavior, at any time, is manifested only within the coexisting factors of the current "life space" or "psychological field."

[7] The environment as demonstrated in the life space, refers to the objective situation in which the person perceives and acts.

The life space environment (E) is completely subjective within each context as it depends not only on the objective situation, but also on the characteristics of the person (P).

Experimental psychology studies have shown the formation of aspiration, the driving factor of actions and expressions (behavior), is directly influenced by the presence or absence of certain individuals within one's life space.

[1] Field theory also includes the idea that every person holds a different experience for a situation.