New Trends in Psychology

Integrating Classical Systemic Theories with Postmodern Perspectives in Family Psychotherapy: A Critical Analysis of Contemporary Clinical Utility

Nicu-Ionel Sava — 2026-02-27

This article explores the integration of classical systemic theories with postmodern approaches in contemporary family psychotherapy, with the aim of evaluating the conceptual coherence and clinical utility of integrative models. Recent literature highlights a growing shift toward hybrid systemic frameworks that combine structural foundations with constructivist, narrative, and collaborative perspectives. Drawing on a conceptual comparative analysis between Minuchin’s structural model and postmodern approaches, this paper examines how integrative practices can enhance therapeutic effectiveness. The findings indicate that while classical systemic concepts remain essential for assessment and relational organization, postmodern techniques contribute significantly to client engagement, reflexivity, and meaning-making. Integrative models appear particularly well suited to addressing the complexity and diversity of contemporary family contexts, offering clinicians a flexible and context-responsive framework. The article contributes a theoretically grounded yet pragmatically oriented perspective, supporting the development of coherent hybrid approaches in family psychotherapy.

Peace as a Transversal Psychological Resource: Implications for Mental Health Prevention

Neaga Susanu — 2026-02-27

Contemporary societies are increasingly exposed to collective stress generated by war, global insecurity, and prolonged crises, with significant consequences for mental health. In this context, the present paper conceptualizes peace as a transversal psychological resource and examines its relevance for mental health protection and prevention in situations of collective stress. Previous research in peace psychology, particularly the distinction between negative and positive peace, has emphasized the role of peace beyond the absence of conflict, highlighting its contribution to human development and psychological well-being. At the same time, studies in mental health have documented the indirect psychological effects of war-related stress, including heightened anxiety, vicarious trauma, and social polarization, even among populations not directly exposed to armed conflict. Adopting a conceptual and integrative psychological approach, this article draws on peace psychology, social and community psychology, and public mental health perspectives to analyze peace as a value operating across intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community levels. With illustrative reference to the psychological impact of the war in Ukraine on neighboring societies, the analysis suggests that peace functions as a protective psychological resource associated with emotional regulation, resilience, social cohesion, and reduced vulnerability to stress-related symptoms. At the group level, peace-oriented values support prosocial mobilization and community resilience while mitigating risks of polarization and collective insecurity. These findings highlight the importance of integrating peace-oriented principles into mental health prevention strategies, including group counseling, community-based interventions, and preventive public mental health policies.

The Role of Family Dynamics and Transgenerational Processes in the Development and Maintenance of Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Systemic Psychotherapeutic Intervention

Nicu-Ionel Sava — 2026-02-27

Addictive behaviors have long been conceptualized as individual disorders primarily grounded in neurobiological vulnerability or maladaptive personality traits. Increasingly, however, systemic perspectives emphasize the relational and developmental contexts in which addiction emerges and is maintained. This article proposes an integrative systemic framework that conceptualizes addictive behavior as a relationally embedded and transgenerational phenomenon, shaped by family dynamics and intergenerational patterns. Drawing on systemic family therapy models—including Bowenian, contextual, structural, and narrative approaches—the paper explores how processes such as triangulation, emotional cutoff, rigid family roles, and transgenerational loyalties may contribute to the persistence of addiction. At the same time, family resources and resilience are examined as central elements in recovery and therapeutic change. The article discusses clinical implications for systemic assessment and intervention, highlighting the importance of multigenerational perspectives, relational safety, and ethical sensitivity in promoting sustainable recovery. By reframing addiction as a systemic and transgenerational issue, this contribution supports psychotherapeutic approaches that prioritize relational change and family engagement in the treatment of addictive behaviors.

Neuroplasticity: The Brain’s Adaptation to Experience, Thought, and Lifestyle

Diana Alexandra Iacob — 2026-02-27

Objectives: This paper explores neuroplasticity as a biological basis for psychological change and emotional adaptation. Prior Work: It builds on contemporary neuroscientific findings showing that the adult brain retains structural and functional adaptability (Kleim & Jones, 2008; Merzenich et al., 2014) and integrates insights from epigenetic research (Horstman, 2010). Approach: A conceptual integrative analysis was conducted, synthesizing perspectives from neuroscience and psychology. Results: Neuroplasticity supports learning, emotional regulation, and psychotherapeutic change. Lifestyle factors such as movement, music, and mindfulness are associated with adaptive neural functioning. Implications: Findings support the integration of relational and experiential approaches in psychological practice. Value: The paper contributes by connecting neuroscientific knowledge with psychological and psychotherapeutic applications.

Assessing Relational Functioning in Couple and Family Therapy: A Comparative Analysis of Systemic Assessment Instruments in Psychotherapeutic Practice

Nicu-Ionel Sava — 2026-02-27

Assessing relational functioning is a core component of both clinical practice and research in couple and family therapy. Within systemic psychotherapy, assessment is understood as a theory-driven process that actively shapes clinical understanding, hypothesis formulation, and intervention planning. Despite the widespread use of systemic assessment instruments, considerable variability persists in their epistemological assumptions, methodological structure, and clinical utility. This article presents a comparative analysis of four widely used systemic tools—the genogram, the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation (FIRO) model, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES)—focusing on how each conceptualizes relational functioning and informs systemic case formulation. The analysis examines theoretical coherence, methodological characteristics, and the capacity of these instruments to capture dynamic and reciprocal relational processes. Findings suggest that no single instrument adequately reflects the complexity of couple and family relationships. Qualitative tools provide contextual and transgenerational depth, while standardized measures offer structural clarity and comparative rigor. Their integrative use supports more coherent clinical formulation and evidence-informed systemic practice.

Self-Esteem and the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Academic Settings: Implications for Cognitive Autonomy in Young Adults

Cătălina Stanciu — 2026-02-27

The accelerated integration of artificial intelligence (AI) applications, such as ChatGPT, in higher education has led to significant changes in learning processes and in how young adults evaluate their academic competence. While these tools can facilitate access to information and support intellectual activities, their use raises important questions regarding psychological impacts on self-esteem and cognitive autonomy. This article examines the relationship between the use of AI applications and young adults’ self-esteem, distinguishing between adaptive use, which serves an educational support function, and compensatory use, associated with reduced personal cognitive effort. The implications of these usage patterns on the development of academic identity are discussed, as well as the need to promote critical and responsible engagement with AI in educational contexts.

The Psychotherapist’s Personality: Myths and Realities

Ecaterina Popa — 2026-02-27

The personality of the psychotherapist represents a key factor in shaping the quality of the therapeutic relationship and the effectiveness of clinical interventions. Contrary to persistent myths portraying therapists as perfectly balanced, constantly calm, or emotionally detached, empirical evidence indicates that clinical efficacy is more strongly associated with self-awareness, emotional maturity, flexibility, and the capacity to establish authentic therapeutic relationships. Contemporary research on common factors, personality frameworks (including the Big Five, hypostatic, and experiential models), and therapist characteristics suggests that individual diversity in personal style, emotional self-regulation, and adaptability is more predictive of positive therapeutic outcomes than adherence to an idealized personality profile. This article offers a critical analysis of prevailing myths and evidence-based perspectives on therapist personality, integrating theoretical models with empirical findings from the literature. It further explores implications for professional training and development, emphasizing the role of ongoing self-reflection, supervised practice, and personal growth. By aligning personal competencies with professional skills, psychotherapists may enhance therapeutic effectiveness while ethically supporting client transformation. Overall, the findings support a conceptualization of personality as a dynamic and multifaceted construct that continuously interacts with professional roles and relational contexts, rather than as a fixed constellation of traits.