Delta Theory and Psychosocial Systems

Delta Theory establishes the foundation for a true scientific applied psychology, a theory of how human influence induces change in others. Delta Theory is unified and universal, applying to all cultures, historical periods and goals for change. It integrates concepts and research from psychology, sociology, anthropology, evolution theory, philosophy, psychoneurology, cognitive science and cultural-historical-activity theory. Yet Delta Theory is clear, economical and elegant, with a full exposition of tactics for its practices. Rich examples are drawn from professional practices, but also from the creation and operations of criminals, healing ceremonies of indigenous peoples, and cross-species comparisons. This book ultimately seeks to describe how influence works, how it could be improved and how it can be resisted.

Roland G. Tharp is Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the Universities of Hawaii, Manoa, and California, Santa Cruz. He has also taught at University of Arizona, Stanford University, and the University of Greenland. Tharp is the director of the national Center for Research on Education, Diversity, and Excellence. He has done extensive fieldwork with indigenous people, including Mayan, Polynesian, Navajo, Zuni, and Inuit. Tharp is the author or coauthor of the books Behavior Modification in the Natural Environment, Rousing Minds to Life, Teaching Transformed, and Self-Directed Behavior. His articles have appeared in such journals as American Psychologist, American Anthropologist, and Psychological Bulletin, among others. He is the laureate of the Grawemeyer Prize in Education, and the Hopwood Award (Major, in Poetry) from the University of Michigan and has held the Frost Fellowship of the Bread Loaf School of English, Middlebury College.