Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Chris Wells, a writer, researcher, and podcaster who specializes in positive disintegration. They break down the theory of positive disintegration, developed by Kazimierz Dąbrowski, and its relevance to personal growth and neurodiversity. They explore the concept of over-excitability, its implications in the gifted education community, and the controversy surrounding its interpretation. They talk about disintegration as a pathway to self-actualization, and the need for community support for those experiencing intense emotional states. They also discuss the future directions of integrating Dąbrowski's theory with contemporary understandings of neurodiversity.
TAKEAWAYS
-
The theory of positive disintegration is about personal growth.
-
Dąbrowski's work connects mental illness with developmental potential.
-
Over-excitability is a key concept in understanding neurodivergence.
-
The gifted education community often misunderstands Dąbrowski's theory.
-
Positive disintegration can lead to self-actualization.
-
Intensity and sensitivity can be both a blessing and a curse.
-
Navigating disintegration requires a grounding practice.
-
Community support is essential for those experiencing disintegration.
Episode 147, with Alex Vuyk: Does Personality Impact Neurodiversity?
Positive Disintegration podcast episode 30 mentioned in our conversation (link is to Apple podcasts)
Check out the courses in the Neurodiversity University.
Chris Wells, PhD is a writer, researcher, and podcaster specializing in positive disintegration, neurodivergence, and personal growth. They are the founder of the Dąbrowski Center and creator of the Positive Disintegration Network, dedicated to bringing Dąbrowski’s theory of positive disintegration into both academic and public conversations.
Chris co-hosts the Positive Disintegration and Cosmic Cheer Squad podcasts and shares their work on Substack, where they blend theory with lived experience to make complex psychological concepts more accessible. Their work centers on self-development, authenticity, and transformation, supporting others in navigating growth through the lens of neurodivergence.
BACKGROUND READING
Chris’s LinkTree, Positive Disintegration website, Cosmic Cheer Squad Substack, Instagram
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com