This book is about aesthetic processes and play from the perspectives of psychologists, philosophers and semiologists. They explore the underlying processes from many viewpoints, including the prehistoric roots of language and art; the historical evolution of artistic styles; the structure of artworks from both gestalt and semiotic perspectives; the biological and psychological processes underlying production and appreciation; personality in relation to artistic style; the testing and measurement of art-related skills; as well as neurobiological, developmental and individual growth perspectives on play activity. The book will be of interest to scholars who want to understand the many ways that aesthetic process can be conceptualized. Not only does it offer a broad basis for discussion, but it also stimulates scholars and students to consider where the study of aesthetic process is heading.

Gerald C. Cupchik builds a bridge between science and the humanities, arguing that interactions between mind and body in everyday life are analogous to relations between subject matter and style in art. According to emotional phase theory, emotional reactions emerge in a 'perfect storm' whereby meaningful situations evoke bodily memories that unconsciously shape and unify the experience. Similarly, in expressionist or impressionist painting, an evocative visual style can spontaneously colour the experience and interpretation of subject matter. Three basic situational themes encompass complementary pairs of primary emotions: attachment (happiness - sadness), assertion (fear - anger), and absorption (interest - disgust). Action episodes, in which a person adapts to challenges or seeks to realize goals, benefit from energizing bodily responses which focus attention on the situation while providing feedback, in the form of pleasure or pain, regarding success or failure. In high representational paintings, style is transparent, making it easier to fluently identify subject matter.

Gerald C. Cupchik builds a bridge between science and the humanities, arguing that interactions between mind and body in everyday life are analogous to relations between subject matter and style in art. According to emotional phase theory, emotional reactions emerge in a 'perfect storm' whereby meaningful situations evoke bodily memories that unconsciously shape and unify the experience. Similarly, in expressionist or impressionist painting, an evocative visual style can spontaneously colour the experience and interpretation of subject matter. Three basic situational themes encompass complementary pairs of primary emotions: attachment (happiness - sadness), assertion (fear - anger), and absorption (interest - disgust). Action episodes, in which a person adapts to challenges or seeks to realize goals, benefit from energizing bodily responses which focus attention on the situation while providing feedback, in the form of pleasure or pain, regarding success or failure. In high representational paintings, style is transparent, making it easier to fluently identify subject matter.

This book is about aesthetic processes and play from the perspectives of psychologists, philosophers and semiologists. They explore the underlying processes from many viewpoints, including the prehistoric roots of language and art; the historical evolution of artistic styles; the structure of artworks from both gestalt and semiotic perspectives; the biological and psychological processes underlying production and appreciation; personality in relation to artistic style; the testing and measurement of art-related skills; as well as neurobiological, developmental and individual growth perspectives on play activity. The book will be of interest to scholars who want to understand the many ways that aesthetic process can be conceptualized. Not only does it offer a broad basis for discussion, but it also stimulates scholars and students to consider where the study of aesthetic process is heading.

For over 39 years, psychologist Dr. Will Cupchik has investigated the atypical theft behavior (shoplifting, fraud, etc.) of usually honest and generally well functioning adults. This book includes his latest (2013) study's extensive findings that provide keen insights into the sorts of personal histories, personality traits and ways of operating in the world that can help precipitate theft behavior. Also included are unique, practical tools specifically developed to help successfully assess and treat these individuals.

Psychologist Dr. Will Cupchik is a leading authority on usually honest and well-functioning adults who compulsively shoplift and/or shop. This book offers legal and mental health professionals, and laypersons, detailed information related to understanding, assessing and treating these 'Atypical Theft Offenders'?