The 9 differences between constructivist and rationalist models

Rationalist and constructivist models share some fundamental characteristics, since they serve as the basis for the formation of cognitive therapies. But, in the same way, there are many characteristics that allow us to distinguish between the two.

In this article we will see the main differences between rationalist and constructivist models in psychology and behavioral sciences in general, in a summarized way.

• Related article: "What is Constructivism in Psychology?"

Main differences between rationalist models and constructivist models

Both the rationalist and the constructivist paradigms try to explain or define what reality is.

In the same way, these two paradigms have given rise to different models that have been used as a basis for the formation of cognitive therapies for the treatment of various disorders.

Despite sharing the cognitive base, these two paradigms present multiple differences in reference to the way of defining or understanding reality, in the way of evaluating and treating, in the role that The therapists perform, in how they define or perceive disorders or relapses, as well as the different types of cognitive therapies formed from the different theories of each paradigm.

Below we will mention and describe the main differences between the two models and we will cite some of the cognitive therapies that are based on one or the other paradigm.

1. Way of understanding reality

Rationalist or objective models, as their name indicates, understand reality as something objective, that exists independently of the subject and that there is only one possible, that is, the reality perceived by one person will be the same as that perceived by another. In this way individuals have to discover the only possible reality.

In contrast to this, constructivist models are based on the idea that there is no single reality, but that it is constructed and invented by each individual, giving rise to multiple realities that in many cases will be contrary to each other.

2. Role of the subject in the perception of reality

The rational paradigm will see in the subject a passive role, the human being is reactive and responsive, understanding knowledge from the outside in and creating mental representations in the individual as copies of reality.

In this way, external information would be processed without producing modifications of the perceived reality.

Contrary, the constructivist paradigm will understand a more active role of the subject; in this case, the human being will be proactive and goal-oriented. In this way the particular perception of the reality of each subject will be fundamental for the construction of each reality, conceiving it from the inside out, thus the cognitive structures of the individual are projected to the outside giving shape and building its reality.

• Related article: "17 curiosities about human perception"

3. Knowledge vision

Rationalists understand knowledge as a direct and exact representation of reality, that is to say, they adopt a deterministic vision, since they believe that knowledge has only one valid and true meaning, which is reality.

Likewise, they will speak of the knowledge of a single true reality that, as we have already pointed out, the individual must discover, there is only one truth.

For its part, Constructivists conceive of knowledge as an evolutionary, interpersonal and proactive process, presenting multiple interpretations and different viable or possible forms of reality. Therefore, true knowledge will not be unique but will appear different according to the constructions of each subject and will be evaluated by internal consistency or social consensus. The therapist who adopts a strong constructivist model will understand that truth does not exist as such.

In reference to knowledge, it should also be noted that rationalist models focus exclusively on cognition; On the other hand, constructivist models are also interested in and valued as necessary to work with the emotions and behaviors of the individual.

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4. Evaluation method

Regarding the evaluation process Rationalists will present and define a more specific diagnosis, focused on the problem presented by the patient and with the main purpose of controlling this.

On the contrary, constructivists will present a more global vision, focused on the processes and development of the individual. That is, it will focus on the individual working and improving his cognitive systems.

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5. Treatment and therapeutic style

The rationalist models will have as main treatment objective to correct and eliminate the dysfunctions, that is to say, that the patient's problem disappears. In order to achieve this goal, the therapist, as the only expert, will show a directive and instructive, it will be the therapist who will give theoretical and technical instructions to the subject and will carry out an assessment clinic.

Constructivist models, on the other hand, will understand the presence of two experts who collaborate with each other to achieve the goals of therapy. One of the experts would be the therapist with adequate knowledge of the change processes and the patient would be the other expert in knowledge of her own life.

The constructivist therapist acts as a support so that the client can explore new forms of relationship and knowledge, helps him in the process of rebuilding his cognitive system, since this is where they place the appearance of the problem. In this way the therapy is less structured and more flexible, the main goal of treatment being to facilitate the development of the subject.

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6. Perception of disorders and relapses

Rationalist theories perceive and describe disorders as dysfunctions or deficitsTherefore, the purpose of therapy or intervention will be to control, eliminate or redirect them. In the same way, relapses will be understood as failures in the improvement or recovery process that must be minimized and avoided, being perceived as dysfunctional patterns that often appear in subjects due to lack of motivation.

By contrast, constructivist theories conceive disorders as a reflection of limitations that are produced by discrepancies between the environment and the current developmental capacity of the subject; This is the reason why the main purpose of the treatment is to help the client's development. Likewise, relapses will also be understood as limitations in development capacity, useful in this way to learn and work with them.

7. How do they understand emotions

Rationalist models believe that irrational thoughts (not true or not according to reality) cause and generate negative and intense emotions that are interpreted as problems in the subject and therefore it is necessary to eliminate or control them.

In contrast, postmodern or constructivist models perceive and interpret emotions as an opportunity to knowledge, it is necessary to encourage the subjects to experience and explore them in order to work and adapt them.

• Related article: "Emotional psychology: main theories of emotion"

8. Insight vision

The rationalist paradigm will give greater importance to insight, understood as an internal vision. In this way, knowledge, insight, of irrational beliefs is necessary for an improvement to occur or the subject to achieve a change.

For its part, the constructivist paradigm will not have as cognitive a vision as the rationalist one and will understand that insight helps in improvement or development but you also need other emotional and behavioral aspects for the change.

• You may be interested in: "Insight: what is it and what are its phases"

9. Types of cognitive therapy according to each model

Rationalist models present cognitive therapies divided into two groups.

First is the category of cognitive-behavioral therapies, which in turn will be divided into therapies focused on coping skills training (aimed at coping with situations of stress and power better manage these sensations) and in problem-solving techniques (they are intended to train a more organized method in solving problems).

An example of coping skills therapy would be training in stress inoculation of Donald Meichenbaum and problem solving would be D’Zurilla’s Problem Solving Therapy and Golfried.

In the same way, The other category that constitutes cognitive therapies is that formed by therapies based on cognitive restructuring, which aims to identify and modify the maladaptive cognitions that cause and maintain the problem in the patient. Being the well-known cognitive therapy of Aaron Beck an example of this.

In reference to constructivist models, in this case the therapies will be based on constructivism, linguistics and narrative, pointing out that it is just as important to treat or take into account emotions and behavior as cognitions. As an example we could cite George Kelly's Personal Construct Therapy.

Finally, some intermediate theories will appear that show characteristics of the two models, both the rationalist and the constructivist. They are similar to classical or rationalist models because they use concepts similar to these, such as the terms of schemes or distortions, but also They are similar to constructivist models, since they give more importance to aspects such as emotions, the therapeutic relationship or the joint use of various techniques. One type of intermediate therapy would be Schema-focused therapy by Jeffrey Young.