Evaluating Joseph Campbell's Underexplored Ideas In the Light of Modern Psychology

Authors

• Leonard L. Martin, University of GeorgiaFollow
• James Conners, University of GeorgiaFollow
• Jacqueline A. Newbold, University of GeorgiaFollow

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Joseph Campbell was a scholar of comparative mythology and religion who attained great popularity by promoting the importance of mythology in people's everyday lives. His ideas have not been subjected to rigorous testing, however. So, it is unclear if they are useful for people trying to attain optimal psychological functioning or if they could contribute to current research and theorizing in psychology. In this paper, we summarized Campbell's psychology-related ideas. Then, we assessed those ideas in relation to modern psychology research. We found that many of Campbell's ideas are consistent with existing evidence and theory. This means his ideas could stimulate and organize future research and they could help people attain optimal functioning.

DOI

10.26736/hs.2019.01.01

Recommended Citation

Martin, Leonard L.; Conners, James; and Newbold, Jacqueline A. (2019) "Evaluating Joseph Campbell's Underexplored Ideas In the Light of Modern Psychology," Heroism Science: Vol. 4: Iss. 1, Article 1.
DOI: 10.26736/hs.2019.01.01
Available at: https://scholarship.richmond.edu/heroism-science/vol4/iss1/1