Gestalt Theory and Morphology: Linking Points, Lines of Development, and Areas of Focus

Gestalt theory and morphology are concepts of Gestalt psychology that were developed at different times in different places in Germany. Wilhelm Salber’s psychological morphology takes from Gestalt theory its focus on the significance of its questions for life, the holism of the thematic contexts and the lawful effect of a fundamental Gestalt dynamic in supra-personal fields of action. Like Gestalt theory, it works methodically on the basis of phenomenological description, the reconstruction of areas of tension, the discovery of culturally shaped atmospheres of behaviour, and the (inevitable and useful) involvement of researchers in the field of research. Unlike Gestalt theory, morphology also refers to depth psychological traditions, it addresses the richness of the moment as the basis for self-treatment of reality and methodically penetrates to the core of impact units via a constant sequence of versions of a morphological description. This method is used in everyday psychology, market and media impact research, sports psychology, cultural and art psychology, organisational psychology and intensive counselling, as documented by contributions from morphological researchers from all fields in this issue of Gestalt Theory. The theoretical prerequisites and methodological consequences are exemplified in this introductory article to the journal with the film The King’s Speech (2011).