Behavior Settings As Emergent Higher-Order Structures in Everyday Life

Harry Heft (Denison University)

Harry Heft (Denison University) will offer a conceptualization of places as emergent dynamic structures that stem from joint and collective action and affordances in communities. Drawing on both Gibson’s and Barker’s distinct ecological psychologies, he will show that these types of places serve the development of social psychological and psychomotor skills, contribute to psychological well-being by providing opportunities for the experience of self- efficacy, and serve as the grounds of self- identity and social affiliation.