In trying to make sense of the mass suicide in Jonestown, a Gestaltist would probably __________.
A) examine the external rewards and punishments used by Jim Jones
B) consult a social psychologist
C) ponder the subjective meaning of the act to Jim Jones's followers
D) ask about the traumatic events in the lives of Jones's followers

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gestalt psychology emphasizes the subjective experience of an individual and how they perceive and make meaning of events. In the case of the Jonestown mass suicide, a Gestaltist would likely focus on understanding the subjective meaning of the act to Jim Jones's followers rather than external rewards/punishments or previous traumatic events.

In Trying to Make Sense of the Mass Suicide in Jonestown