The Framework & Its Creator
About Explorative Psychology
About Riley O'Neill
Riley O'Neill developed Explorative Psychology from [Riley's background here]. [Riley's qualifications here].
The framework emerged from Riley's observation that many high-functioning individuals reach a point of external success and internal flatness - a gap that existing models were not designed to address. Explorative Psychology was built to formalise exploration as a legitimate and structured psychological mechanism, drawing on established research across neuroplasticity, experiential learning, identity theory, and motivational psychology.
Research Foundations
Explorative Psychology integrates insights from the following established areas of psychological research:
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Behavioural Activation & Exploration
Kanter, Busch & Rusch (2009). Behavioral activation: Distinctive features. Routledge.
Martell, Dimidjian & Herman-Dunn (2010). Behavioral activation for depression. Guilford Press. -
Neuroplasticity & Novelty
Draganski et al. (2004). Neuroplasticity: Changes in grey matter induced by training. Nature, 427(6972).
Merzenich (2013). Soft-wired: How the new science of brain plasticity can change your life. Parnassus. -
Identity Theory & Self-Concept
Burke & Stets (2009). Identity theory. Oxford University Press.
Oyserman, Elmore & Smith (2012). Self, self-concept, and identity. In Handbook of self and identity. Guilford. -
Experiential Learning
Kolb (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice Hall.
Beard & Wilson (2018). Experiential learning (4th ed.). Kogan Page. -
Exposure & Mild Discomfort
Craske et al. (2014). Maximizing exposure therapy: An inhibitory learning approach. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 58, 10–23.
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Motivation, Curiosity & Novelty
Kashdan & Silvia (2009). Curiosity and interest. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 3(5), 987–1002.
Ryan & Deci (2017). Self-determination theory. Guilford Press.
Keyes (2002). The mental health continuum: From languishing to flourishing. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 43(2).
Learn More or Get in Touch
Explore the full framework, download the whitepaper, or send Riley a message.