From Self to Social Relationships
An Essentially Relational Perspective on Social Motivation

What is it that moves and motivates us in our lives? Martijn van Zomeren proposes that social relationships are at the essence of this key question and, in a fascinating investigation into human motivation, he develops a novel and integrative psychological theory termed 'selvations theory'. The theory suggests that we are essentially relational beings that seek to regulate relationships in response to felt changes in our network of relationships (selvations). However, we need to do this in culturally appropriate ways and this is where our culturally construed self comes to be of use. From Self to Social Relationships constitutes a powerful argument about human essence, integrating major theories in and around psychology, which has strong implications for the study and practice of social motivation.

Reviews & endorsements

'This is a carefully crafted and creative entry into the significant attempts of scholars to replace traditional models of individualist and atomizing psychology with accounts that place relational process at the center of our understanding. As van Zomeren forcefully argues, it is not self-gain that fundamentally motivates our actions, but the regulation of relationships. The research implications are enormous.' Kenneth J. Gergen, Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania

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Product details

• Date Published: April 2018
• format: Paperback
• isbn: 9781107474727
• length: 205 pages

• dimensions: 230 x 153 x 12 mm
• weight: 0.32kg
• contains: 7 b/w illus.
• availability: Available