Applied Pragmatic Functional Contextualism: A New Epistemological and Theoretical Framework for Applied Mental Health Research

Abstract

Concept Paper<strong>Applied Pragmatic Functional Contextualism: A New Epistemological and Theoretical Framework for Applied Mental Health Research</strong>Eli Cwinn ^1,^*, Kayla Hamel ²* <strong>Correspondence: </strong>Eli Cwinn; E-Mail: <a href="mailto:ecwinn2@uwo.ca">ecwinn2@uwo.ca</a><strong>Academic Editor: </strong>Marianna Mazza<em>OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine</em>2024, volume 9, issue 3 doi:10.21926/obm.icm.2403041<strong>Received:</strong> January 22, 2024<strong>Accepted:</strong> June 22, 2024<strong>Published:</strong> July 10, 2024<strong>A</strong><strong>bstract</strong>This paper argues that psychology, as a discipline, requires research to be situated in the context of a content-based theory. We identify several problems and pitfalls with requiring a content-based theory for applied mental health research, <em>a priori</em>. Nonetheless, we also articulate a rationale for why theory matters and that a new sort of theoretical framework is required for applied mental health research. We address this need by articulating a new theoretical framework called Applied Pragmatic Functional Contextualism which satisfies the functions of being theory-driven while also circumventing some of the barriers of relying on content-based theory. We provide clear criteria for APFC and examples of research that is APFC consistent and APFC inconsistent. We conclude by discussing implications of using APFC for individual researchers, the field of applied mental health and the clients they serve, and for psychology as an institution.<strong>Keyword</strong><strong>s</strong>Theory; applied mental health research; methods; research design; intervention; psychotherapy; mental health; psychological science; qualitative research methods; qualitative design