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The relevance of cybernetics for a positive psychology approach to dyslexia

Chathurika Sewwandi Kannangara (Department of Psychology, University of Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom.)
David Griffiths (Institute for Educational Cybernetics, University of Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom.)
Jerome Carson (Psychology, University of Bolton, Bolton, UK)
Samurdhi Munasinghe (Parker Sandford, Wigan, United Kingdom.)

Kybernetes

ISSN: 0368-492X

Article publication date: 7 September 2015

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the relevance of the literature of cybernetics for a positive psychology approach to dyslexia.

Design/methodology/approach

A selective bibliography is presented, which reflects the exchange of ideas between the authors, two of whom work in the field of psychology, one in educational cybernetics and the other in information systems.

Findings

Examination of the literature suggests that there is scope for the application of positive psychology to dyslexia. In the cybernetic literature there is little direct discussion of either positive psychology or dyslexia. However, these areas are linked by the themes of self-steering systems and of levels of learning. Cybernetics identifies systemic constraints and therapeutic approaches which can inform the use of positive psychology techniques with dyslexics.

Originality/value

The paper documents the relevance of cybernetic analysis to the self-regulation carried out by dyslexics, and in so doing also enriches discourse on dyslexia in the field of psychology. The paper will be of value to those carrying out research into dyslexia, and to those who are supporting or working alongside people with dyslexia.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The first author would like to acknowledge the American Society of Cybernetics for the Heinz von Foester award 2013 which helped stimulate the connection between cybernetics and positive psychology. She would also likes to thank Professor Martin Seligman and VIA Institute of Character, specifically Dr Neal Mayerson, Dr Ryan Niemiec and Ms Kelly Aluise. Finally, she acknowledges the support of numerous colleagues from the University of Bolton including Dr Kandadi Kondal, Professor Patrick McGhee, Ms Gill Waugh, Mr Aris Mattheou and Emeritus Professor Rob Campbell.

Citation

Kannangara, C.S., Griffiths, D., Carson, J. and Munasinghe, S. (2015), "The relevance of cybernetics for a positive psychology approach to dyslexia", Kybernetes, Vol. 44 No. 8/9, pp. 1284-1297. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-11-2014-0270

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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