The Psychology of Emotion in Restorative Practice: How Affect Script Psychology Explains How and Why Restorative Practice Works

by Vernon C. Kelly Jr. (Editor)

How and why does restorative practice (RP) work? This book presents the biological theory, affect script psychology (ASP), behind RP, and shows how it works in practice in different settings. ASP explains how the central nervous system triggers 'affects' which are the basis of all human motivation and emotion. The book presents a clear explanation of what ASP is, how it relates to RP, and how ASP helps practitioners to understand relationships, emotions and dynamics in their work. The chapters are based around case studies which demonstrate RP in criminal justice, organizational and education settings. They show how theory links to practice, and how having a deep understanding of the theory has helped practitioners to be successful in their work. Providing an accessible explanation of how RP works, this book will be invaluable to all RP practitioners in any setting, as well as RP students and academics.

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 2014

Reviews

[Dorothy Nesbit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year I have been exploring the role that shame can play in our lives without us even knowing it is there. I have also been exploring the work of Murray Bowen and his successors re family systems.

The book came as an unexpected recommendation from a mediator colleague and was my introduction to Affect Script Psychology (ASP), which is something I hadn't heard of prior to my conversation with my colleague. It arose from a discussion about shame in the context of relationships and relationship breakdown.

In the book, Vernon Kelly outlines Silvan Tomkin's affect theory before various practitioners share, in subsequent chapters, how they have applied the theory and with what results. I need, firstly, to say that this provided a theoretical framework for our experience of shame that made more sense than anything I have read to date. This stimulated plenty of affect in me! Especially, I feel a lot of interest and joy on reading.

I am a long-term student of Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication. ASP seems to me to sit well with Rosenberg's work, including his fundamental offering (nonviolent communication or NVC) and his work and the work of his successors in the field of mediation and restorative justice, making this book a valuable read for any of my fellow students and practitioners of NVC. It also seems to me that this work is valuable to anyone who is interested in thinking systemically, whether in the family, community or workplace contexts.

I'm aware from reading the book that there are many resources available and some may be more appropriate as a starting point, including Kelly's Primer Of Affect Psychology which is available for download from the Tomkins Institute. However, this was my introduction. It wasn't the quickest of reads for me, precisely because of the substance it contains. However, the substance was sufficiently valuable to me to give this book a five-star review.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will have a profound impact on my daily work. I’ve been exposed to many of the theoretical frameworks in this book to varying degrees in my previous trainings and readings but this puts it all together in a way that really explains how it all works. It will elevate my practice and change the way I talk about the work. Highly recommended for any RP practitioners.

[Kristen Luppino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Already ready to read this again. I will pick up even more the next time around. Shifting more heavily into restorative practices at school is so complex, and this book has me all in about the why and some details into how. We are gonna keep working at it!

[Monica Saey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting read. Although I do find it gets a bit repetitive in the end.

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not necessarily sold of ASP.

[Marg Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who works in the field of restorative justice needs to read this book.