Exploring The Psychology Of Wisdom

The concept of “wisdom” tends to be associated with the philosophy or religion. However, wisdom has also been the subject of much discussion in the field of psychology. Researchers have proposed a range of methods for defining, categorizing, and better understanding it. Exploring some of these theories may provide insight into the various roles that life experience, personality traits, and other features may play in developing wisdom. This article provides context on the psychology of wisdom, including what may be considered wise, the different types of wisdom, and the different ways psychologists may classify it. 

How do we define wisdom?

The American Psychological Association defines wisdom as “the ability of an individual to make sound decisions, to find the right—or at least good—answers to difficult and important life questions, and to give advice about the complex problems of everyday life and interpersonal relationships.”

However, other psychologists and researchers have proposed alternative definitions of wisdom. For example, a 2022 meta-analysis found that “wisdom entails being flexible in one’s thinking, the tendency and willingness to take on different ideas and perspectives, and an orientation toward exploration, psychological growth, and personal fulfillment.” 

Moreover, definitions of wisdom may vary based on culture, context, and school of thought. In ancient Greek philosophy and ethics, for example, wisdom was separated into distinct types. These forms of philosophical wisdom included:

• Practical wisdom: Also known as “phronesis,” practical wisdom was characterized as wisdom applicable to practical or real-life situations—for instance, the use of critical thinking to identify the right course of action when faced with challenges and decisions. 
• Theoretical wisdom: Theoretical wisdom, on the other hand, may refer to wisdom that is more contemplative in nature. Its focus is on seeking the truth and understanding the nature of things using both knowledge and intelligence. 

Psychologists, meanwhile, have also proposed several other forms of wisdom. For example, psychologist Ursula Staudinger divided wisdom into two broad categories:

• Personal wisdom: Personal wisdom centers on an individual’s wisdom with regard to their own life, experiences, and challenges.
• General wisdom: General wisdom, in contrast, focuses on the wisdom used to navigate more broad challenges or to navigate the challenges of others. 

Frameworks for viewing wisdom

In addition to seeking a working definition of wisdom, psychologists studying wisdom and wisdom-related performance have also proposed a variety of frameworks for understanding the traits that wise people tend to have in common. The following are just a few:

The three-dimensional wisdom scale: Also known as the 3D-WS, the three-dimensional wisdom scale was originally developed by sociologist Monika Ardelt. It proposes three key features, or “dimensions,” of wisdom:

• The reflective dimension, which refers to the ability to seek out and reflect on new perspectives or points of view
• The cognitive dimension, which refers to the understanding of, or desire to understand, the nature of reality 
• The affective dimension, which refers to the ability to practice compassion and sympathy toward others

The Berlin wisdom paradigm: Developed by Ursula Staudinger and fellow psychologist Paul Baltes, the Berlin wisdom paradigm suggests that wisdom may be defined as expert knowledge of “the fundamental pragmatics of life.” This paradigm uses several criteria to define and assess wisdom:

• Rich procedural knowledge, which focuses on ways of managing life events or complex and uncertain matters
• Rich factual knowledge, referring to knowledge centered on life and the human experience
• Lifespan contextualism, which may refer to an understanding of different life contexts and how they vary
• Relativism of values and priorities, an understanding that there may be differences in what people value, prioritize, and pursue in life
• Management of uncertainty, which refers to an understanding that life may not always be predictable as well as knowledge of how to cope with uncertainty

The balance theory of wisdom: Pioneered by psychologist Robert Sternberg, the balance theory suggests that wisdom may involve balancing different interests to better adapt to, shape, or make choices about one’s environment. The interests cited include:

• Intrapersonal, referring to interests relating to the self
• Interpersonal interests, referring to interests involving the self in relation to other people
• Extra-personal interests, referring to interests that go beyond the self but that may affect other, unrelated people in the community

It may be worth considering that these are just three of the many frameworks that exist for defining and examining wisdom. A variety of traits have also been proposed as features of wisdom, such as intellectual humility, an ability to learn from one’s mistakes, a long-term desire to learn, and a desire to pass knowledge on to others.

Exploring wisdom through therapy

The study of wisdom continues to evolve, and developing wisdom tends to be an ongoing process of learning and growth. Whether one is faced with a specific challenge or is simply interested in taking steps toward cultivating wisdom, speaking with a licensed therapist may be helpful. In therapy, you may gain insight, discover new points of view, or find alternative ways of thinking. 

Seeking advice from a stranger about concepts like wisdom may seem intimidating. It might be particularly challenging for people experiencing mental health challenges like stress or anxiety. Some people report feeling more comfortable with these types of discussions in an online therapeutic environment. With this form of remote therapy, you connect with a therapist from the comfort of your home via audio, video, or live chat. You can also contact your therapist in between sessions through in-app messaging, and they’ll respond as soon as they can.

Research has found online therapy to be an effective and cost-efficient treatment for a variety of mental health concerns. For example, a 2017 study found internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to be useful for treating symptoms of various mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder. 

Takeaway

Wisdom typically encompasses a variety of dimensions, including the ability to learn from one’s experiences, make good choices, explore new perspectives, or give advice to others. Psychologists have long sought concrete frameworks for defining and assessing wisdom, such as the three-dimensional wisdom scale, the Berlin wisdom paradigm, and the balance theory of wisdom. While there is no universally accepted, one-size-fits-all model of wisdom, there tend to be some common aspects of wisdom that can improve a person’s mental health and overall well-being. Those interested in exploring it further may find online therapy to be a useful resource for gaining insight into their thoughts and responses to challenges. Take the first step toward learning more about wisdom and reach out to BetterHelp today.