In 20th century psychology, models and interventions were emerging that did not strictly adhere to a theoretical orientation, but combined the contributions of several. For example, Klerman and Weissman’s interpersonal therapy, which emerged in the 1970s, was influenced by psychoanalysis, behaviorism and cognitivism.

Eclecticism promotes explanatory and applied frameworks that seek to overcome the limitations of traditional perspectives, although their greater complexity may lead to difficulties. In this article we will describe the advantages and the disadvantages of eclecticism in psychology , as well as the types of integration that exist.

Types of eclecticism in psychology

There are a large number of eclectic models that combine contributions from different theoretical orientations. These are classified according to the way in which the integration of paradigms is carried out.

1. Theoretical integration

Theoretical eclecticism combines concepts from different theories , generally using one of them as a frame of reference. The aim of this type of integration is to increase the explanatory capacity in the face of specific problems.

The book “Personality and Psychotherapy: an analysis in terms of learning, thinking and culture” by Dollard and Miller was a milestone in the history of eclecticism in psychology. In it, the authors synthesized the explanations of neurosis offered by psychoanalysis and behaviorism and brought together concepts such as “pleasure” and “reinforcement”.

A particular case is that of meta-theoretical integration, which seeks to provide a common framework in which different theories can be encompassed. For example, Neimeyer and Feixas have highlighted the suitability of constructivism as a higher level theory that allows the convergence of models.

2. Technical eclecticism

This type of eclecticism consists of using techniques of different orientations . Lazarus, one of the pioneers of technical eclecticism, argued that theoretical integration is not feasible because of the contradictions of different perspectives, although many different tools can be useful under certain conditions.

A common criterion in technical eclecticism is the level of empirically proven effectiveness . In this case, the aim is to find the most suitable treatments for each situation, according to scientific research.

On the other hand, “intuitive eclecticism” refers to the integration of techniques based exclusively on the ideas and preferences of the psychologist. Many people have criticized this type of practice for its lack of systematization.

3. Common factor approach

Theorists of this approach seek to identify common factors that explain the effectiveness of psychological interventions. Authors such as Rosenzweig, Fiedler and Rogers paved the way for this type of eclecticism with their studies and models on the attitude of the therapist as a key variable.

Jerome Frank identified six factors common to the different psychotherapeutic orientations:

  • Trusting relationship between the therapist and the client.
  • Offering a rational and credible explanation of the problems.
  • Providing new information about the problems.
  • Expectations of improvement by the customer .
  • Opportunity to have successful experiences and encourage a sense of mastery.
  • Facilitation of emotional activation.

Advantages of eclecticism

The advantages of eclecticism are related to the increased complexity of explanations and the availability of a greater number of tools.

1. Increased explanatory capacity

The theoretical models, as well as the corresponding interventions, prioritize certain aspects of reality over others. Thus, for example, cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses almost exclusively on the manifest behavior and conscious perception of the person, while psychoanalysis focuses on the unconscious.

The combination of different orientations allows to overcome the explanatory limitations of each particular model , by replacing the weak points with the strengths of other perspectives. It is more frequent that it occurs in complementary paradigms, such as the cognitive and behavioural ones.

2. Enhancing effectiveness

Having concepts and techniques coming from different approaches allows to use the most appropriate tools for each situation instead of those indicated by a concrete theory; this increases the effectiveness of the interventions. It also makes it easier to apply holistic treatments, i.e. directed at the person as a whole.

3. Individualization of interventions

Everyone has characteristics that differentiate them from the rest; therefore, adapting the interventions to each client is fundamental. Eclecticism is very useful in this sense, since the increase in the range of treatments makes it possible to better cover the different needs of the clients.

Disadvantages of eclecticism

The negative side of eclecticism can sometimes be very relevant. This depends mainly on the level of complexity in the integration .

1. Difficulty in combining orientations

The integration of different perspectives is complicated from a conceptual point of view, among other things because it requires a very deep knowledge of the orientations and techniques involved if a model is to be generated properly. This difficulty is especially notable in theoretical eclecticism .

2. Can generate confusion

Even if the explanatory capacity of eclectic models and interventions is often greater than that of classical ones, they can be difficult to convey to experts who do not master any of the orientations in question. Also, integrative models sometimes provide unnecessarily complex explanations.

3. Complicates evaluation of interventions

From a research point of view, eclectic interventions are more difficult to evaluate than simple ones . In particular, it is very difficult to separate the therapeutic contributions of each of the orientations or techniques used.