Spencer A. McWilliams
Please use the tabs above for information regarding:
- my educational background
- research and scholarly interests
- courses that I teach
- my curriculum vitae.
Research
Since the mid-1970s my research and scholarship has focused on theoretical issues
within the field of constructivist psychology, and particularly within Personal Construct
Psychology, an approach to psychology and psychotherapy developed by the American
psychologist George A. Kelly and initially published in 1955. I began reading Kelly’s theory in the mid 1970s, and I incorporated the theory in
my teaching at that time. I extended my formal training in the field through a sabbatical leave, while I was
on the faculty at the University of Arizona. I spent the 1979-80 academic year as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Royal Free
Hospital School of Medicine in London working with Dr. Fay Fransella, now retired
but still the reigning senior expert on Personal Construct Psychology. I took courses, helped with teaching, consulted with a variety of colleagues, and
attended several conferences and workshops throughout the UK. My subsequent active scholarly contributions to the field followed and built upon
those sabbatical activities.
Consistent with postmodernism, constructivism proposes that, rather than viewing knowledge
as reflecting or representing a mind-independent reality, human beings create or construct
knowledge, both individually and collectively, as tools to assist their functioning
and meaning-making. Constructivism emphasizes the active role of human agency in expanding and extending
the frontiers of knowledge and in creating new and effective ways of projecting into
an unknown future. We can trace the history of constructivist themes in ancient Chinese and Indian philosophies,
as well as throughout Western philosophy in individuals such as Heraclitus, in early
Greece, who saw the universe as always changing, the Greek Sophists, who emphasized
the human role in creating “truth,” and German rationalist philosopher Kant, who described
the active role of humans in transforming and organizing their experience. The American Pragmatism movement (Psychologists William James and John Dewey, Sociologist
George Herbert Mead) also influenced constructivism with its emphasis on exploring
the practical implications of ideas and beliefs rather than attempting to seek an
independent truth criterion. Constructivist psychology emphasizes how individuals construct ideas and beliefs
that give a sense of meaning to their experience and help them anticipate future events,
and constructivist psychotherapy assists people in constructing more effective and
useful identities, meaning, and understandings.
My work in this field elaborates a variety of theoretical issues relevant to the constructivist
perspective, and to demonstrating its synergistic connections with other convivial
perspectives, as a way to further its elaboration. Prior to the review period, my work, as reflected in conference presentations and
publications, has emphasized taking responsibility for our personal role in constructing
beliefs and understanding by exploring: metaphors such as anarchy and idolatry, the
role of emotional expression and comprehensive thinking, language techniques that
acknowledge our constructed attributions, and meditation approaches that help us attend
to our active participation in creating meaning.
In parallel with my work on constructivist psychology, I have been a student and practitioner
of Zen meditation since the early 1980s, and in addition to my scholarly explorations
in Buddhist philosophy and psychology I maintain a regular practice of meditation
and study under the tutelage of the American teacher Charlotte Joko Beck, founder
of the Ordinary Mind School of Zen. Beginning in 1983 I have worked to elaborate the relationship between constructivist
and Buddhist psychology, and much of my recent scholarly work more fully explores
the synergetic interface between Zen meditation and Buddhist psychology and various
constructivist issues and themes. Several current projects focus on the potential for the integration of Buddhist-inspired
psychotherapy methods with constructivist and cognitive behavioral therapy.
My interest in theoretical integration of constructivist approaches has expanded recently
as a result of the addition of the course PSYC 490 History of Psychology to my regular
teaching assignment. While preparing and teaching this course I came to understand more clearly how the
basic ideas in constructivist and postmodern thinking have recurred regularly in western
philosophy and psychology, and are reflected in a variety of contemporary approaches. More recent additions to my constructivist research agenda, stemming from this teaching
experience, include the relationship between human agency and co-evolutionary processes,
and the historical developments of convivial philosophical perspectives. Recent projects in this vein address the Sophist Gorgias’ views on truth as rhetoric
and the influence and currency of William James’ pragmatism and their relevance to
post-modern psychology.
The following lists publications and presentations in the past few years:
Book Chapters:
- McWilliams, S. A. (2009). Interdependence, essence, and conventional reality: Middle way Buddhist and constructivist
perspectives. In L. M. Leitner & J. C. Thomas (Eds.). Personal constructivism: Theory and applications (pp. 365-383). New York: Pace University Press.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2004). Constructive alternativism and self. In J.D. Raskin & S.K. Bridges (Eds). Studies in meaning 2: Bridging the personal and social in constructivist psychology (pp. 291-309). New York: Pace University Press.
Refereed Journal Articles:
- McWilliams, S. A. (2010). Inherent self, invented self, empty self: Constructivism, Buddhism, and psychotherapy. Counseling and Values, 55, 79-100.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2009). William James’ pragmatism and personal construct psychology. Personal Construct Theory & Practice, 6, 109-118.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2009). Taking pictures versus making art: A personal construal of creative photography. Personal Construct Theory & Practice. 6, 21-33.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2008). Ontological acceleration and human agency. Personal Construct Theory & Practice, 5, 60-67.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2004). On further reflection. Personal Construct Theory & Practice, 1, 1-7.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2010). The varieties of meaning-making experience. [Review of the book Studies in Meaning 4: Constructivist perspectives on theory, practice, and social justice.] Journal of Constructivist Psychology, 23 (3), 261-266.
Refereed Conference Presentations:
- McWilliams, S. A. (2009, July). Emptying the constructed self: Integrating mindfulness, awareness, and acceptance
with constructivist psychotherapies. Paper presented at the 18th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology,
Venice, Italy.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2009, July). The trail of the human serpent: James’ pragmatism
and personal construct psychology. In T. Butt (Chair). Personal Construct Theory’s
Roots in pragmatism. Symposium presented at the 18thInternational Congress on Personal
Construct Psychology, Venice, Italy.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2008, June). Truth as trophy: Gorgias’ Sophism, constructivism,
and social constructionism. Paper presented at the 13th Biennial Conference of the
Constructivist Psychology Network, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2007, July). Constructivist Psychology and Zen Buddhism. Workshop
presented at the 17thInternational Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Brisbane,
Queensland, Australia.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2007, July). Ontological Acceleration and Human Agency. Paper presented at the 17thInternational Congress on Personal Construct Psychology,
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2006, July). Constructive-isms: A conversation on some constructivist
contexts. Paper presented at the 12th Biennial Conference of the Constructivist Psychology
Network, San Marcos, California.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2005, July). Fabricating emptiness: Zen Buddhism and constructivist
psychology. Workshop presented at the 16th International Congress on Personal Construct
Psychology, Columbus, Ohio.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2005, July). The middle way and conventional reality. Paper presented
at the 16thInternational Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Columbus, Ohio.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2004, June). Impermanence, emptiness, and dependent origination:
Buddhist concepts and constructivist theory. Workshop presented at The 11th Biennial
Conference of the Constructivist Psychology Network, Memphis, Tennessee.
Vitae
Spencer A. McWilliams, Department of Psychology
California State University, San Marcos
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92096
Ph. (760) 750-3065
Email: smcwilli@csusm.edu
Education:
- Ph.D., 1971 University of Rochester; Psychology
- B.A., 1966 California State University, Long Beach; Psychology
- A.A., 1964 Otero Junior College;Liberal Arts
Employment History:
- 2001-present: CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN MARCOS, San Marcos, California
- 2004-present Professor of Psychology
- 2003-2004 Assistant to the Provost
- 2001-2003 Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
- 1998-2001: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON – CLEAR LAKE, Houston, Texas
- Dean, School of Human Sciences and Humanities
- Professor of Clinical Psychology
- 1994-1998: NAROPA UNIVERSITY, Boulder, Colorado
- Vice President for Academic Affairs
- 1989-1994: WARREN WILSON COLLEGE, Asheville, North Carolina
- Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College
- 1985-1989: WINTHROP UNIVERSITY, Rock Hill, South Carolina
- 1988-1989 Acting Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
- 1985-1988 Chair, Department of Psychology
- 1985-1989 Professor of Psychology
- 1971-1985: UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, Tucson, Arizona
- 1984-1985 Coordinator, Undergraduate Studies in Psychology
- 1979-1980 Visiting Research Fellow, University of London (sabbatical leave)
- 1977-1985 Associate Professor of Psychology
- 1975-1978 Director, Doctoral Training in Clinical Psychology
- 1972-1975 Director, Research & Evaluation, Tucson East Community Mental Health
Center
- 1971-1977 Assistant Professor of Psychology
Teaching Experience:
California State University San Marcos (2004-present):
Undergraduate: Psychology for Living, Psychology of Personality, History of Psychology,
Survey of Clinical Psychology; Graduate: Pro-seminar in Counseling/Clinical Psychology
University of Houston—Clear Lake (1998 - 2001):
Undergraduate: Theories of Personality; Graduate: Clinic Practicum
Naropa University (1994 - 1998):
Undergraduate: Personality Theories
Warren Wilson College (1989-1994):
Undergraduate: Senior Seminar, Theories and Techniques in Counseling and Psychotherapy,
Theories of Personality, Integrative Studies Thesis.
Winthrop University (1985-1989):
Undergraduate: General Psychology, Theories of Personality, Critical Issues Symposium,
Seminar: The "Reality" of Science.
Graduate: Introduction to Counseling, Therapeutic Psychology.
University of Arizona (1971-1985):
Undergraduate: Introduction to Psychology, Social Psychology, Theories of Personality,
Abnormal Psychology, Advanced Psychopathology, Psychology of Consciousness.
Graduate: Clinical Psychology, Community Psychology, Theories of Psychotherapy, Personality
Theory and Research, Humanistic Psychology, Seminars: Psychopathology, Psychotherapy,
Personal Construct Psychology, Practica: Psychotherapy, Community Psychology.
Graduate Research Supervision
- California State University San Marcos, 2005-present: M.A. Thesis Director 3; Reader
5
- University of Wollongong (Australia), 1999, Ph.D. Dissertation Examiner
- University of Arizona, 1971-1985:
- Ph.D. Dissertation: Director 11; Reader 26
- M.A. Thesis: Director 12; Reader 25
Clinical Psychology Training and Experience:
- 1986-1988
Clinical Consultant, Student Counseling Service, Winthrop University. Individual
counseling and psychotherapy.
- 1971-1985
Clinic Supervisor, Psychology Clinic, University of Arizona. Supervision of trainees
in individual psychotherapy, community consultation.
- 1979-1980
Diploma, Therapy & Counseling, Centre for Personal Construct Psychology, London. Psychotherapy,
repertory grid assessment.
- 1970-1971
Clinical Psychology Trainee, School of Medicine, University of Rochester. Child play
therapy, parent counseling.
- 1970-1971
Research Assistant, Center for Community Study, University of Rochester. Training
of paraprofessionals, school consultation.
- 1968-1970
Psychology Trainee, Veterans Administration Hospitals, Syracuse and Canandaigua, NY. Diagnostic
testing, individual and group psychotherapy, ward administration.
Editorial Reviewer for:
Psychological Bulletin, American Journal of Community Psychology, Law and Human Behavior,
International Journal of Personal Construct Psychology, Columbia University Press, Personal
Construct Theory and Practice, The Humanistic Psychologist, Journal of Constructivist
Psychology.
Publications:
Book Chapters:
- McWilliams, S. A. (2009). Interdependence, essence, and conventional reality: Middle
way Buddhist and constructivist perspectives. In L. M. Leitner & J. C. Thomas (Eds.). Personal
constructivism: Theory and applications (pp. 365-383). New York: Pace University
Press.
- McKinley, V. & McWilliams, S. A. (2007). Assessment through the senior letter. In
T. W. Banta (Ed.). Assessing student learning in the disciplines (pp. 63-67). New
York: Jossey-Bass.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2004). Constructive alternativism and self. In J.D. Raskin &
S.K. Bridges (Eds). Studies in meaning 2: Bridging the personal and social in constructivist
psychology (pp. 291-309). New York: Pace University Press.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2003). Belief, attachment, and awareness. In F. Fransella (Ed.) International handbook
of personal construct psychology (pp. 75-82). London: Wiley.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2000). Core constructs and ordinary mind Zen. In J. W. Scheer
(Ed.) The person in society: Challenges to a constructivist theory (pp. 261-271).
Giessen (Germany): Psychosozial-Verlag.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1996). Accepting the invitational. In B. E. Walker, J. Costigan,
L. L. Viney, & W. Warren (Eds.). Personal construct theory: A psychology for the future (pp.
57-78). Melbourne: Australian Psychological Society (APS Imprint Books).
- McWilliams, S. A. (1988). On becoming a personal anarchist. In F. Fransella & L.
Thomas (Eds.) Experimenting with personal construct psychology (pp. 17-25). London:
Routledge & Kegan Paul.
Refereed Journal Articles:
- McWilliams, S. A. (2010). Inherent self, invented self, empty self: Constructivism,
Buddhism, and psychotherapy. Counseling and Values, 55, 79-100.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2009). William James’ pragmatism and personal construct psychology. Personal
Construct Theory & Practice, 6, 109-118.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2009). Taking pictures versus making art: A personal construal
of creative photography. Personal Construct Theory & Practice. 6, 21-33.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2008). Ontological acceleration and human agency. Personal Construct
Theory & Practice, 5, 60-67.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2004). On further reflection. Personal Construct Theory & Practice,
1, 1-7.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1993). The sacred way of liberal arts. Journal of General Education,
42 (4), 255-269.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1993). Construct no idols. International Journal of Personal
Construct Psychology, 6 (3) 269-280.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1993). Indeterminacy and the construction of personal knowledge. Tradition
and Discovery: The Polanyi Society Periodical, 19 (2), 5-11.
- McKinley, V. & McWilliams, S. A. (1992). Assessment through the senior letter. Assessment
Update: Progress, Trends, and Practices in Higher Education, 4 (6), 9-11.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1989). Liberal education and the anarchist insight. Perspectives:
Journal of the Association for General and Liberal Studies, 19 (3), 45-50.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1988). Construing comprehensively. International Journal of Personal
Construct Psychology, 1, 219-228.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1987). A comprehensivist approach to general education. Perspectives:
Journal of the Association for General and Liberal Studies, 17, (1) 39-46.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1979). Effects of reciprocal peer counseling on college student
personality development. Journal of the American College Health Association, 27,
210-213.
- Beaver, W., Buck, F. M., & McWilliams, S. A. (1979). Issues in replicating the trauma-stren
conversion. American Journal of Community Psychology, 7, 129-136.
- McWilliams, S. A., Lewis, S. B., Balch, P., & Ireland, J. (1979). Sample bias in
questionnaire completion at a community mental health center. American Journal of
Community Psychology, 7, 107-110.
- McWilliams, S. A. & Gerber, K. E. (1978). A comprehensive mental health epidemiology
survey of a university population. Journal of College Student Personnel, 19, 128-131.
- Balch, P., McWilliams, S. A., Lewis, S., & Ireland, J. (1978). Clients' treatment
expectations at a community mental health center. American Journal of Community Psychology,
6, 105-114.
- Balch, P., Ireland, J., McWilliams, S. A., & Lewis, S. B. (1977). Client evaluation
of mental health services: Relation to demographic and treatment variables. American
Journal of Community Psychology, 5, 243-248.
- McWilliams, S. A. & Lewis, S. B. (1976). Community mental health ideology and activity
interest. American Journal of Community Psychology, 4, 351-355.
- Kahn, M. W., McWilliams, S. A., Balch, P., Chang, A. F., & Ireland, J. (1976). Developing
a rural mental health service from a base in an academic clinical psychology program. American
Journal ofCommunity Psychology, 4, 113-127.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1975). Use of census data to assess community mental health services. Hospital
and Community Psychiatry, 26, 720-725.
- Balch, P. & McWilliams, S. A. (1975). Community-based program evaluation through
a graduate practicum in community psychology. Professional Psychology, 6, 331-336.
- McWilliams, S. A. & Morris, L. A. (1974). Community attitudes about mental health
services. Community Mental Health Journal, 10, 236-242.
- McWilliams, S. A. & Tuttle, R. J. (1973). Long term psychological effects of LSD. Psychological
Bulletin, 79, 341-351.
- McWilliams, S. A. & Underwood, M. (1973). The Health Opinion Survey as a self-report
epidemiological instrument. Journal of Community Psychology, 1, 335-338.
- Cowen, E. L., Dorr, D., Clarfield, S., Kreling, B., McWilliams, S. A., Pokracki, F.,
Pratt, D. M., Terrell, D., & Wilson, A. (1973). The AML: A quick-screening device
for early identification of school maladaptation. American Journal of Community Psychology, 1,
12-35.
- McWilliams, S. A. & Finkel, N. J. (1973). High school students as mental health aides
in the elementary school setting. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology,
40, 39-42.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1972). A process analysis of nonprofessional intervention with
children. Journal of School Psychology, 10, 267-377.
- Terrell, D. L., McWilliams, S. A., & Cowen, E. L. (1972). Description and evaluation
of group-work training for nonprofessional child-aides in a school mental health program. Psychology
in theSchools, 9, 70-75.
- Cowen, E. L., Dorr, D., Sandler, I., & McWilliams, S. A. (1971). Utilization of a
nonprofessional child-aide school mental health program. Journal of School Psychology,
9, 131-136.
Book Reviews:
- McWilliams, S. A. (2010). The varieties of meaning-making experience. [Review of
the book Studies in Meaning 4: Constructivist perspectives on theory, practice, and
social justice.] Journal of Constructivist Psychology, 23 (3), 261-266.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1994). Constructing a story of life's mission. [Review of The
sense of vocation: A study of career and life development.] Journal of Constructivist
Psychology, 7 (1), 67-71.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1992). Turning ground into figure. [Review of Gestalt reconsidered:
A new approach to contact and resistance.] Contemporary Psychology, 37 (7), 640-641.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1992). Fostering sociality: Techniques for improving marital role
relationships. [Review of Enhancing marital intimacy through facilitating cognitive
self-disclosure.] International Journal of Personal Construct Psychology, 5 (1), 113-116.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1981). Eclecticism: Comprehension or jumble? [Review of Principles
of eclectic psychotherapy.] Contemporary Psychology, 26, 301.
Reprinted Articles:
- McWilliams, S. A. & Tuttle, R. J. (1974). Long term psychological effects of LSD. Psychiatry
Digest, 35, 32.
- McWilliams, S. A. & Finkel, N. J. (1973). High School students as mental health aides
in the elementary school setting. Mental Health Digest, 5, 41-43.
Other Articles:
- McWilliams, S. A. (1997). Contemplative engagement at home and abroad. Proceedings
of the 14th Annual International Conference of the International Partnership for Service Learning,
29-32.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1991). Interdisciplinary study at Warren Wilson College. Association
for Integrative Studies Newsletter, 13 (2), 12.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1990). What is the value of education? Owl and Spade (Warren
Wilson College Alumni Magazine), 66 (4), 4.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1989). The nature of a liberal arts education. Winthrop Magazine,
1 (4), 6, 29.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1984). Construing and Buddhist psychology. Constructs (Journal
of the Centre for Personal Construct Psychology, London), 3 (1), 1-2.
Doctoral Dissertation:
McWilliams, S. A. (1972). A process analysis of a school based mental health program. Dissertation
Abstracts International, 33, 918B. (University Microfilms No. ADG72-18825)
Refereed Conference Presentations:
- McWilliams, S. A. (2009, July). Emptying the constructed self: Integrating mindfulness, awareness, and acceptance
with constructivist psychotherapies. Paper presented at the 18thInternational Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Venice, Italy.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2009, July). The trail of the human serpent: James’ pragmatism
and personal construct psychology. In T. Butt (Chair). Personal Construct Theory’s
Roots in pragmatism. Symposium presented at the 18th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Venice, Italy.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2008, June). Truth as trophy: Gorgias’ Sophism, constructivism,
and social constructionism. Paper presented at the 13th Biennial Conference of the Constructivist Psychology Network, Victoria, British Columbia,
Canada.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2007, July). Constructivist Psychology and Zen Buddhism. Workshop
presented at the 17th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2007, July). Ontological Acceleration and Human Agency. Paper presented at the 17th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2006, July). Constructive-isms: A conversation on some constructivist
contexts. Paper presented at the 12th Biennial Conference of the Constructivist Psychology Network, San Marcos, California.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2005, July). Fabricating emptiness: Zen Buddhism and constructivist
psychology. Workshop presented at the 16th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Columbus, Ohio.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2005, July). The middle way and conventional reality. Paper presented
at the 16th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Columbus, Ohio.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2004, June). Impermanence, emptiness, and dependent origination: Buddhist concepts and constructivist theory. Workshop presented at The 11th Biennial
Conference of the North American Personal Construct Network, Memphis, Tennessee.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2003, July). Reflecting on Constructive Alternativism. Paper
presented at the 15th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire,
United Kingdom.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2002, July). Constructive Alternativism: Searching for the Core. Paper
presented at the 10th Biennial Conference of the North American Personal Construct Network, Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada.
- McWilliams, S. A. & McWilliams, M. J. (2000, March). Student attitudes toward their
role as students. Paper presented at the 11th Annual Teaching Academic Survival Skills conference, West Palm Beach, Florida.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1999, July). Construing contemplation. In J. R. Forster & S.
A. McWilliams (Chairs). Constructive construing of meditation. Symposium presented
at the 13th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Berlin, Germany.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1997, February). Contemplative engagement at home and abroad. Poster
session presented at the 14th annual international conference of the Partnership for Service Learning, Kingston,
Jamaica.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1996, July). A contemplative approach to higher education. Paper
presented at the conference “Teaching From Within,” Blue Sky Associates, Northfield,
Minnesota.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1994, September). An ethos for transcending Babel. Paper presented
to the 16th Annual Conference of the Association for Integrative Studies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1993, November). Service learning within a liberal arts triad. In
M. L. Grant (Chair) Community service learning initiatives. Symposium presented at
the 21st Annual Deans Institute of the Council of Independent Colleges, San Diego, California.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1993, October). Diverse voices and an ethos for public conversation. Paper
presented at the 33rd Annual Conference of the Association for General and Liberal Studies, Memphis, Tennessee.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1993, July). I accept, with pleasure, the invitation(al). Plenary
session paper presented at the 10th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Townsville, Queensland,
Australia.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1992, November). Seeking unity within diversity. Paper presented
at the 14th Annual Conference of the Association for Integrative Studies, Pomona, California.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1991, October). Reflections on the church of the liberal arts. Paper
presented at the 31st Annual Convention of the Association for General and Liberal Studies, Seattle, Washington.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1991, August). Make for yourself no idol. Paper presented at
the 9thInternational Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Albany, New York.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1991, April). Indeterminacy, possibility, and commitment in personal
knowing. Paper presented at the conference, "From Polanyi to the 21st Century: A Centennial Celebration," Kent, Ohio.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1990, November). Belief, value, and the fundamental impulse. Paper
presented at the 12th Annual Conference of the Association for Integrative Studies, Manchester, New Hampshire.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1990, September). Senior letter as an assessment tool. Paper
presented at the University of Kentucky Faculty Scholars Program Conference "General
Education in Liberal Arts Colleges: Assessing Student Outcomes," Lexington, Kentucky.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1990, September). Mission statement, process indicators, and institutional
planning. Paper presented at the University of Kentucky Faculty Scholars Program
Conference "General Education in Liberal Arts Colleges: Assessing Student Outcomes,"
Lexington, Kentucky.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1989, October). Liberal education and the anarchist insight. Paper
presented at the 29th Annual Convention of the Association for General and Liberal Studies, Indianapolis,
Indiana.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1987, August). Construing comprehensively. Paper presented at
the 7thInternational Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Memphis, Tennessee.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1986, October). A comprehensivist approach to general education. Paper
presented at the 26th Annual Convention of the Association for General and Liberal Studies, Snowbird, Utah.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1985, August). On becoming a personal anarchist. Paper presented
at the 6th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Cambridge, England.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1983, July). Construing and nirvana. Paper presented at the 5th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1981, July). Explorations in the psychology of science. Paper
presented at the 4th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, St. Catherines, Ontario,
Canada.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1979, July). Emotional expression and construct transition. Paper
Presented at the 3rd International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology, Breukelen, The Netherlands.
- Balch, P., Lewis, S., McWilliams, S. A., & Ireland, J. (1976, September). Clients'
treatment expectations at a community mental health center. Paper presented at the
meeting of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D. C.
- Balch, P. & McWilliams, S. A. (1975, April). Training program evaluators through
a graduate practicum in community psychology. Paper presented at the meeting of the
Western Psychological Association, Sacramento, California.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1974, August). Planning a community mental health clinic through
a graduate practicum in community psychology. In C. D. Spielberger (Chair), Developing
a rural community mental health service from a base in an academic clinical psychology
program. Symposium presented at the meeting of the American Psychological Association,
New Orleans, Louisiana.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1974, April). Evaluating a community mental health center: Problems,
pitfalls, and solutions. In L. A. Morris (Chair), Evaluation in the informal environment:
Problems, pitfalls, and solutions. Symposium presented at the meeting of the Western
Psychological Association, San Francisco, California.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1973, April). A brief, self-report epidemiological instrument. Paper
presented at the meeting of the Western Psychological Association, Anaheim, California.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1972, April). Interaction processes between nonprofessional child-aides
and elementary school children. Paper presented at the meeting of the Western Psychological
Association, Portland, Oregon.
Selected Invited Presentations:
- McWilliams, S. A. (2001, May). What is your education worth? Commencement address
(Alvin Community College & University of Houston—Clear Lake), Texas Department of
Criminal Justice, Darlington Unit, Rosharon, Texas.
- McWilliams, S. A. (2000, February). Self image in ordinary mind Zen. Presentation
to the Transpersonal Psychology Association, University of Houston--Clear Lake, Houston,
Texas.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1999, February). Liberal arts education: What does it mean? What
is it worth? Lyceum Presentation, San Jacinto College—South, Pearland, Texas.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1989, August). The value of an education: Is there any number
greater than 100? Convocation address, Warren Wilson College, Asheville, North Carolina.
- McWilliams, S. A. (1979). Psychological helpers: Paraprofessionals and peers. Colloquium
presented at:
The Max-Planck Institute, Munich, West Germany, (July)
Crichton Royal Hospital, Dumfries, Scotland, (November).