Interbehavioral Psicology in Spain: Origins and development

Abstract

The origins of Interbehavioral Theory, or Psychological Field Model, lie in the early works of J.R Kantor over ninety years ago. The theory aims at developing psychology as a natural science and at avoiding any dualism in the definition of its object of study. The lattetr is understood as the succession of field states shaped by interactions between elements of the organism and its environment, that emerge as a result of physical, biological or social contact and which are influenced both by the collateral and current conditions of the organism and its environment and by previous interactions. Within this framework, Interbehavioral Psychology attempts to move forward in the theory of behavior and its applications, providing heuristic answers to the problems existing in the experimental analysis of behavior and other psychological approaches. This approach has drawn most attention in the USA, Mexico, Peru and Spain. This paper describes the development and current state of this theoretical approach in Spain, looking at its origins and most notable achievements. The description is based mainly on the answers given to a survey by professionals and academics who felt that their work fits closely with the interbehavioral perspective.