No 4 (2025)
Articles
Behavioral strategies in conflict among adolescents with different levels of anxiety
Abstract
The subject of the study is the examination of conflict behavior strategies in adolescents with different levels of anxiety. The object of the study is the conflict as a socio-psychological phenomenon. The authors note that the issue of anxiety's influence on adolescents' behavior in conflict situations occupies an important place in psychology; anxiety significantly affects adolescents' learning success, as well as their relationships with teachers, parents, and peers. The authors examine existing theoretical perspectives on the concept of anxiety in both foreign and domestic research, the features of anxiety manifestations in adolescence, the essence of behavior strategies in conflict situations, and the results of empirical research on conflict behavior strategies in adolescents with varying levels of anxiety. Special attention is given to describing differences in conflict behavior strategies among adolescents with different levels of anxiety. Empirical research methods include diagnostic techniques: the Spielberger-Hanin Scale of Trait and State Anxiety; the "Multidimensional Assessment of Children's Anxiety" by E.E. Romitsyn; the "Strategies for Behavior in Conflict Situations" by L.K. Kazantsev; and the Thomas-Kilmann Methodology. Statistical processing methods applied include the Shapiro-Wilk test, Spearman's correlation analysis, Fisher's ANOVA, and Tukey's exploratory method. The theoretical significance and novelty of the research lie in the analysis and systematization of theoretical perspectives regarding the features of strategy selection in conflicts among adolescents with different anxiety levels. The authors demonstrate that there are differences in conflict behavior strategies among adolescents with varying levels of anxiety. Adolescents with high anxiety levels are characterized by avoidance and accommodation strategies in conflict. Adolescents with moderate anxiety adopt a compromise strategy. Those with low anxiety levels more frequently use collaboration and competition strategies. The obtained data have important practical implications, enabling the development of psychological support programs for adolescents aimed at reducing high anxiety levels and forming constructive behavior models in conflict situations. The research results may be useful for educators, psychologists, and parents in constructing effective interaction strategies with adolescents prone to elevated anxiety. The findings could serve as a basis for developing practical recommendations for adolescents.
Psychologist. 2025;(4):1-15
1-15
Psychological diagnosis of a client's anxiety using graphological analysis
Abstract
Graphological analysis is a method that aims to identify a person's psychological characteristics, emotional state, abilities, and inclinations. A person's handwriting reflects their individual traits and emotional state, following specific patterns. One of the most common emotional states in psychological practice is anxiety. While significant attention is given to studying this state, there are limited tools available. Among the projective methods for studying anxiety, we propose graphological analysis. The relevance of the work is due to the need to expand the psychodiagnostic toolkit of psychologists through methods that minimize distortions associated with social desirability and subjectivity. The purpose of the study is to acquire practical skills for psychologists in psychological diagnostics on the example of personality anxiety using handwriting analysis. The purpose of the article is to describe the results of psychological diagnostics of a client's anxiety using graphological analysis. The subject of the study is the practical skills of conducting psychological diagnostics of an individual's anxiety using projective techniques, including graphological analysis of handwriting. The subject of the article is graphological analysis of handwriting as a tool for diagnosing a client's anxiety. The methodology is based on a systematic approach that ensures the quality of studying graphological features associated with anxiety and the quantitative assessment of these features based on the scientific research of O.V. Osekova, S.K. Malakhaeva, E.S. Sorokina, A.O. Dubrovina, I. Goldberg, Nishigandha Vyawahare, and Sheila Lowe. Methods: theoretical, semi-structured interview, graphological analysis, qualitative analysis of the results. The results of our study showed a high degree of focus on anxiety indicators during graphological analysis. The practical significance of the work lies in the development of an algorithm for interpreting handwriting in order to assess the presence/absence of signs of anxiety. Based on the analysis of specific cases, the role of a comprehensive assessment of a client's anxiety using graphological analysis is emphasized; indicators of anxiety based on handwriting analysis are summarized; the advantages and disadvantages of graphological analysis as a method of psychological diagnostics for determining an individual's anxiety are identified; a systematic list of graphological signs of anxiety related to psychological characteristics of an individual is proposed; a method for assessing a client's anxiety level based on a quantitative analysis of indicators in handwriting is presented; and for the first time, the severity of anxiety based on handwriting characteristics is calculated.
Psychologist. 2025;(4):16-34
16-34
The use of virtual reality technologies in practical psychology: Russian and international experience
Abstract
Virtual reality is one of the promising technologies for practical psychology. It provides the opportunity to create highly realistic, interactive, and systematically controlled stimulus environments in which researchers, medical professionals, and psychologists can accurately manage complex, multisensory, and dynamic 3D presentations of stimuli. The subject of this article is the study of the characteristics and effectiveness of virtual reality technologies in practical psychology, with an emphasis on both Russian and international experience. In particular, the research covers the use of virtual reality to create controlled, interactive, and immersive virtual environments that are applied in psychotherapy and psychological diagnostics. Key areas of VR technology use are discussed, including the treatment of phobias, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and addictions, as well as pain management. To address problematic questions and achieve the study's objectives, theoretical research methods were employed: analysis, generalization, and synthesis of data from research in the field of virtual reality technology application in psychological practice. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the comprehensive interdisciplinary analysis and systematization of both current and prospective opportunities for using virtual reality technologies in practical psychology across different countries. For the first time, a summary of data on diverse approaches to the application of VR in psychological practice has been carried out, key factors influencing the success of implementation have been identified, and directions for further research and development have been outlined. This provides not only a theoretical basis for understanding the potential of virtual reality technologies but also practical recommendations for specialists working in the field of psychological assistance. The analysis conducted on the experience of applying virtual reality technologies in psychology reveals several key trends and fundamentally new aspects in understanding and using different types of reality to address psychotherapeutic and diagnostic tasks. Virtual reality technologies represent a promising tool for practical psychology, combining innovation with proven effectiveness. Despite existing barriers (technical, financial, and professional), the potential of VR in the therapy of anxiety disorders, phobias, eating disorders, addictions, and pain management is evident. Further research should focus on standardizing methods, increasing sample sizes, and studying long-term effects.
Psychologist. 2025;(4):35-51
35-51
Attitude towards health among young people with different psychological ages.
Abstract
The subject of this study is the attitude towards health from the perspective of the component model proposed by R.A. Berezovskaya – cognitive, emotional, and value-motivational. Examining and studying the attitude towards health from the perspective of this model in young people allows us to determine the extent to which a value orientation towards health, cognitive representations of health, and the motivational component of the attitude towards health, which leads to specific actions to preserve and strengthen physical and mental health, are formed. In the process of empirical research, the authors particularly focus on aspects of the attitude towards health in the context of the psychological age of the individual. The aim of this psychological study was to explore and describe the attitude towards health among young people with different psychological ages. The methodological support for the research included the "Five-Year Interval Assessment Method" (E.I. Golovakha, A.A. Kronik) and the "Health Attitude Questionnaire" (R.A. Berezovskaya). Statistical data processing was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis test at a significance level of less than 0.05. The study sample consisted of 134 people aged 18-32 years. The research concluded that young people with a low psychological age (32 individuals) experience less anxiety in case of health deterioration, have a limited number of ways to preserve health in their representations, are less active behaviorally, and do not strive to improve their health status. Young people with a high psychological age (56 individuals) demonstrate a mature emotional attitude towards health, have a comprehensive understanding of ways to preserve it, but do not always strive for activity at a behavioral level. Young people with an adequate chronological psychological age (46 individuals) have the most developed culture of behavior that contributes to maintaining health. The obtained empirical data are scientifically novel as they reveal the connection between psychological age and attitudes toward health among young people. Another aspect of scientific novelty is that, considering the important feature of psychological age – its variability, programs for psychological support in the process of forming a responsible attitude towards health among young people can be developed.
Psychologist. 2025;(4):52-64
52-64
Individual reading characteristics in overcoming difficult life situations: the role of genre preferences and biographical reflection
Abstract
This study is dedicated to a comprehensive analysis of the role of individual reading characteristics as a psychological resource in overcoming difficult life situations (DLS). The focus of the study is on: 1) the genre preferences of readers (fiction vs. popular science literature) and their connection with the effectiveness of coping strategies; 2) the level of biographical reflection as a factor mediating the therapeutic effect of reading; 3) the differentiation of psychological mechanisms influencing emotional regulation and cognitive processing of crisis experiences by various literary genres. The relevance of the work is due to the lack of empirical data on the specifics of using reading as a tool for coping with DLS in contemporary psychology. The aim was to identify the relationship between reading characteristics (genre preferences, biographical reflection) and the effectiveness of overcoming life difficulties. The study systematically categorizes the role of reading practices in the context of common crisis states such as emotional burnout, loss of loved ones, and financial difficulties, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. The study involved 103 respondents (ages 18–64, M=36.8, SD=10.1). The following methods were used: 1) an author questionnaire "I-Reader" to assess reading habits and motives; 2) an author questionnaire "Indicator of Life Difficulties 'It Matters'"; 3) M.V. Klementyeva's method for measuring biographical reflection. Qualitative analysis and correlation analysis (Spearman’s ρ) were applied. The main findings of the study indicate that 72% of respondents with a high/medium level of reflection use reading as a means to cope with DLS. Three key difficult situations were identified: emotional burnout (68%), loss of loved ones (54%), and financial difficulties (49%). A positive correlation was also discovered between the preference for popular science literature and overcoming loss, as well as a negative correlation between the frequency of reading fiction and its therapeutic effect. The obtained results are significant for the fields of psychology, pedagogy, and bibliotherapy. Practical applications include: 1) the development of psychological assistance programs based on reading; 2) the integration of popular science literature into rehabilitation practices; 3) optimization of library recommendations for people in crisis situations. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that it for the first time demonstrates the differentiation of genre effects in the context of reading psychology, where popular science texts serve a cognitive-adaptive function, while fiction serves a recreational one.
Psychologist. 2025;(4):65-78
65-78
Organizational stress among employees of the human resources department of the Krasnoyarsk railway.
Abstract
The article is dedicated to the problem of organizational stress among employees of the personnel management service of the Krasnoyarsk Railway (a branch of JSC "Russian Railways"). The main focus is on identifying key stressors in the work environment, assessing the level of stress resilience among employees, and developing measures to reduce the negative impact of stress on employees' health and the effectiveness of their professional activities, emphasizing the need to identify the main sources of stress in conditions of increased work tension. Approaches to stress management are considered: organizational, medical, and psychological, and the stages and methods for diagnosing stress factors and their prevention are highlighted. Particular attention is paid to the specifics of the railway industry, where the psychophysiological requirements for personnel are especially high, providing an overview of current research and practical recommendations for effective stress management in rail transport. To assess the tendency towards organizational stress, including indicators of self-awareness, behavioral flexibility, and activity, the "Organizational Stress Scale" questionnaire (A. MacLean, adapted by N.E. Vodyapyanova) was used; for identifying sources of stress and ranking the levels of impact (high, moderate, low), the job stress questionnaire (adapted by A.B. Leonova and S.B. Velichkovskaya) was applied. A total of 22 employees participated in the study on organizational stress, predominantly women, with ages ranging from 30 to 58 years. A high level of susceptibility to organizational stress was identified in 59% of the specialists. Data analysis included calculating percentage shares, mean values, ranking factors by mention frequency, and evaluating their impact. Key stressors were identified, including regulated deadlines for documentation preparation, responsibility for the safety of transport processes, and the need for timely decision-making. The identified stress factors formed the basis for preventive measures. A training program was developed, which is valuable due to its comprehensive and practice-oriented approach. It fosters sustainable skills for coping with stress at both individual and organizational levels and is adapted to the specifics of the railway industry. A key limitation of the study is the small sample size and its gender imbalance, which necessitates caution when generalizing the results. The novelty of the work lies in a comprehensive approach that integrates the analysis of the sector's specifics in railway transport, the application of adapted diagnostic methods, and the development of practice-oriented stress management measures.
Psychologist. 2025;(4):79-94
79-94