Conflict and Change

Social and developmental psychology are often viewed as distinct subdisciplines, each with its own theories and methodologies. However, this book seeks to bridge that divide by proposing an integrative framework that considers various levels of analysis, from the individual to the societal. It emphasizes the interplay of fundamental concepts such as intra- and inter-group conflict and change across these levels. By revisiting and renewing foundational theories of development, the book introduces the concept of ‘genetic social psychology.’ This approach is applied to the complex case of the Cyprus conflict, as well as other conflict and post-conflict scenarios, uncovering transformative possibilities for both theory and practice. Ultimately, this work advocates for a broader, more cohesive understanding of psychological processes in social contexts, addressing contemporary challenges and enhancing our grasp of human behavior.

Author Biography

Charis Psaltis is Professor of Social and Developmental Psychology at the University of Cyprus. His books include Social Relations in Human and Societal Development (with Alex Gillespie and Anne-Nelly Perret-Clermont, 2015), Interaction, Communication and Development (with Anna Zapiti, 2014) and History Education and Conflict Transformation (with Mario Carretero and Sabina Čehajic-Clancy, 2017). In 2024 he received the International Society of Political Psychology (ISPP) Nevitt Sanford Award for his professional contributions to the field of Political Psychology Brady Wagoner is Professor of Psychology at the University of Copenhagen, Aalborg University, and Oslo New University College. His books include The Constructive Mind: Bartlett’s Psychology in Reconstruction (2017), The Psychological of Radical Social Change (with Fathali M. Moghaddam and Jaan Valsiner, 2018) and the Handbook of Culture and Memory (2018). He has received the Alexander von Humboldt Award in 2021 for his lifetime contributions to research.