ABSTRACT
This chapter reveals the Unitary Developmental Theory (UDT) model comprising seven levels that encompass 15 phases – from the Absorption Phase (1a) associated with infancy to the ultimate maturity of regenerative leadership and regenerative eco-system (7b) as, e.g., a family which succeeds in rearing mature off-spring. The model is shown to correspond with existing models insofar as their phases share the underlying schemas of the UDT phases. The theory also shows how habituation occurs at each phase in already established patterns that again correspond to modeling from other schools. Indeed, the patterns for habituation at the first three phases correspond to the three DSM-5 Clusters of Personality Disorders, thereby offering considerable insight into these conditions. In all cases, the UDT model fills in gaps in existing modeling with only Open Dialogue coming close to matching its completeness. However, shortcomings are noted by comparison, and it is proposed that UDT provides badly-needed structure, discipline and theoretical basis for the Open Dialogue process. The concept of inversion is introduced to describe the natural drag of Phase (1a) habituation on development in all types of human system, and how this is redressed by the internal dimension of Phase 7b.
