Theoretical Review of Scientific Approaches to Understanding Crisis Psychology

Abstract

The importance of the studied problem is conditioned by the fact that the problem of psychological crisis and its solutions steadily attracts attention of both domestic and foreign researchers from various spheres of the scientific knowledge (psychology, philosophy, pedagogics, and sociology). However, the insufficient development of the psychological crisis concept in theoretical and, in particular, in the empirical aspect contradicts the high practical value of this problem when it comes to the psychological knowledge. The purpose of the article is to define the concept of psychological crisis. In our theoretical and empirical studies we assume that "experiencing psychological crisis" by the individual represents a complicated multidimensional phenomenon that develops depending on various circumstances of life. Possessing intrapersonal and social components within its structure, the phenomenon of psychological crisis has multiple interpretations and draws attention to investigations of both social and psychological factors, and personal matters that define the given phenomenon. Considering the multidimensional character of the studied object, the leading approach to the investigation of this problem is represented by the integrative interdisciplinary approach, based on contemporary domestic and foreign researches in the sphere of general, social and penitentiary psychology, cognitive science, mathematical psychology and other study concepts. The main goal of the article is to define the psychological crisis concept and to work out a methodological program for empirical study. The content of this article shall be useful when applying the empirical studies in the sphere of psychology of experiences.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n2s3p241