Chaos and rigidity are often used to describe problematic psychological states. If they are to be avoided, how does one conceive of a normative alternative? As a midway compromise between chaos and rigidity? This paper proposes that underlying chaos and rigidity are two dimensions of healthy human experience, those of stability (focus, routine, unity) and flexibility (exploration, novelty, diversity). Their union is possible, the optimal state of “flexstability”, a state in which individuals experience flexibility and stability at the same time. Chaos can be now understood as flexibility without stability, and rigidity as stability without flexibility. These concepts may be arranged in a two-by-two “flexstability matrix” that suggests that normative psychological development navigates the extremes of chaos and rigidity and seeks the state of flexibility. The concepts of the matrix are applied to six research areas in psychology: parenting styles, identity formation, the development of mind, flow, emotional regulation and self-determination. ; Chaos and rigidity are often used to describe problematic psychological states. If they are to be avoided, how does one conceive of a normative alternative? A midway compromise between chaos and rigidity seems unsatisfactory. This paper proposes that underlying chaos and rigidity are two dimensions of healthy human experience, those of stability (focus, routine, unity) and flexibility (exploration, novelty, diversity). Their union is possible, the optimal state of “flexstability”, a state in which individuals experience flexibility and stability simultaneously. Chaos can be now understood as flexibility without stability, and rigidity as stability without flexibility. These concepts may be arranged in a two-by-two “flexstability matrix” that suggests that normative psychological development navigates the extremes of chaos and rigidity and pursues the state of flexstability. The concepts of the matrix are applied to seven research areas in psychology: parenting styles, ...


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    Title :

    Beyond chaos and rigidity, flexstability


    Contributors:
    Ravn, Ib (author)

    Publication date :

    2022-08-01


    Remarks:

    Ravn , I 2022 , ' Beyond chaos and rigidity, flexstability ' , New Ideas in Psychology , vol. 66 , 100948 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.newideapsych.2022.100948



    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Classification :

    DDC:    120 / 629



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