Harry Stack Sullivan Colloquium: George Herbert Mead and Harry Stack Sullivan: an unfinished synthesis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Theorizes the emergence of the human self as a central concern for therapists and social psychologists.
• Highlights the convergence of interests between psychotherapy and social psychology, particularly concerning the self.

Discussion:

• Examines the theoretical and practical implications of integrating George Herbert Mead's and Harry Stack Sullivan's concepts.
• Advocates for a synthesis of Mead's and Sullivan's theories to enhance psychiatric practice and social psychology research.

Key Insights:

• The development of a "new self" is a core issue in therapeutic contexts.
• An interactionist social psychology requires a synthesis of Mead's and Sullivan's foundational ideas.

Outlook:

• Further integration of psychiatric and social psychology theories is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the self.
• Future research should focus on the processes and products of interpersonal and intrapersonal interactions.