International Society for Theoretical Psychology
The International Society for Theoretical Psychology (ISTP) is an international forum for theoretical, meta-theoretical and philosophical discussions in psychology, with a focus on contemporary psychological debates. Founded in the early 1980s, its objective is to stimulate theoretical arguments and innovations, to foster integration across areas and traditions of research, and to promote interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to psychological questions. It aims to serve as the stage for the discussion of new theoretical ideas and conceptual frameworks, for the critical engagement of different theoretical approaches, and for discussions concerning the relation of theoretical psychology to other disciplines, to the history of psychology and to the philosophy of knowledge.
Upcoming Conference
For more than 40 years, the biennial conferences are the heart of ISTP. They are not just a forum for individual presentations of current research, but rather an intensive, week-long experience of listening to each other, debating, collaborating, making new friends, and thinking things further together.
Belgrade, Serbia | May 20–24, 2024
Chairs: Tania Zittoun, Biljana Stanković, & Aleksandar Baucal
Theory as Engagement
Theorizing is an essential activity for engaging in and with the world, enabling individuals and communities to navigate complex environments and possible futures.
Keynote Speakers:
– Alex Gillespie, London School of Economics, UK, Pragmatism: Humble Theory for an Uncertain World
– Sanne Akkerman, Utrecht University, The Netherlands, Educational and Learning Sciences: Theory and Research in the Midst of Motion
– Rastko Močnik, University of Ljubljana, Serbia, Theory in Action
– Thomas Teo, York University, Canada, Why EDI matters as a theoretical-psychological topic: Ontic, epistemic, and ethical reflections
Please register here!
ISTP Journals
–Theory & Psychology
– International Review of Theoretical Psychologies
Our Journals
The publication and discussion of psychological theory is a central mission of ISTP. The Society is directly involved in two journals. Theory & Psychology, published by SAGE, is one of the leading journals for theory in psychology. More recently, ISTP has launched the International Review of Theoretical Psychologies as an open access platform to help publish the work presented at its conferences.
Recent Topics
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Future issue
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Become a Member Now
Support our Mission. Receive Theory & Psychology for free.
“Be part of an intellectual research community that takes the problems of our time seriously.”
Ernst Schraube
President, ISTP
Member Benefits
– be part of a global network
– reduced conference fees
– free journal access
Past Conferences
Sacramento, USA | May 2022
Chair: Basia Ellis
Building Community: Theoretical Psychology in the Service of Social Issues
Keynote Speakers:
–Regina Langhout, University of California Santa Cruz, USA
–Peter Pál Pelbart, Pontifical Catholic University in São Paulo, Brazil
–Puleng Segalo, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
– Alexander Sidorkin, California State University, Sacramento, USA
Copenhagen, Denmark | August 2019
Chair: Ditte Winther-Lindqvist
Measured Lives: Theoretical Psychology in an Era of Acceleration
Keynote Speakers:
–Hartmut Rosa, University of Jena, Germany
–Dorte Marie Søndergaard, Aarhus University, Denmark
–Uffe Juul Jensen, Aarhus University, Denmark
– Pablo Oyarzún Robles, University of Chile, Chile
– Anne Phoenix, University College London, UK
Tokyo, Japan | August 2017
Chair: Tetsuya Kono
The Ethos of Theorizing
Keynote Speakers:
–Yoko Yamada, Ritsumeikan University, Japan
–Peit Hut, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, NJ, USA
–Ikuyoshi Mukaiyachi, University of Hokkaido, Japan
– Darren Langdridge, Open University, UK
– Michio Okada, Toyohashi University of Technology, Japan
– Marie-Cécile Bertau, University of West Georgia, USA
– Miki Takasuna,Tokyo International University, Japan
Statement from the President
“At first glance, psychological theory may not seem particularly important. But it is. Not only because it sharpens our understanding of ourselves and the world. But also, because its analytical power can help us to become with each other and with the world.”
Ernst Schraube
President, ISTP
Activities
ISTP Seminar Series: Theorizing About Objects in Psychology, September 2024
The ISTP Virtual Seminar Series Spaces for Theoretical Explorations will start in September 2024 with a focus on theorizing about objects in psychology. The first seminar is organized in collaboration with the Society for Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology (APA Division 24). More information coming soon.
Chairs: Floor van Alphen, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain & Marie-Cécile Bertau, University of West Georgia, USA.
Summer School: Reparation, Inclusion, and Emotions, January 3–4, 2024
In collaboration with ISTP, the Doctoral Program in Psychology at the University Alberto Hurtado in Chile, is organizing this Summer School for doctoral students and researchers.
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The International Society for Theoretical Psychology
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