THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO THE DEFINITION OF CRISIS AND CRISIS STATES IN MODERN PSYCHOLOGY

Abstract

The article provides a theoretical analysis of the study of the problem of life crisis in psychology, namely: concepts, concepts and manifestations of life crises and crisis states. In particular, the essence of the terms “crisis”, “life crisis” and “state of crisis” in the works of Ukrainian and foreign scientists was investigated. Approaches to studying the problem of crisis (physiological concept of crisis, concept of balance, developmental approach, big changes in “Life Space”, communication model and interpersonal and sociocultural approach) are considered. It is noted that different conceptual orientations together form a complex multi-level system, which is the methodological basis for studying the phenomenon of life crisis. It is noted that life crises can be conditionally divided into: crisis of personality formation (normal crisis), health crisis, terminal crisis, crisis of significant relationships, crisis of personal autonomy, crisis of selfrealization, crisis of life mistakes, abnormal crisis (situational crisis). Four stages of the course of the crisis are revealed: 1) the initial increase in tension; 2) further increase in tension; 3) an even greater increase in tension; 4) awareness that everything is useless. The characteristics of such criteria of life crises as: age, time, effectiveness, activity, determinism, complexity, predictability are singled out. It has been established that the causes of crisis phenomena are observed in people who, in the eyes of others, are very prosperous from the point of view of their usual ideas about wellbeing. It is noted that the methods of overcoming the crisis of women and men are different. It is also stated that life crises have a number of features that distinguish them from other emotionally complex life situations. It is emphasized that life crises have different depths, several stages and levels, and their passage has unique features. At the same time, it is noted that crises are always accompanied by stress, associated with a certain frustration and always require the activation of valuable and meaningful activities. The external circumstances and psychological characteristics of a person, which can lead to the appearance of a certain crisis state, are highlighted. The determinants of the crisis are highlighted, the factors affecting the depth and strength of the experiences of the crisis situation are described.