The analysis and perspectives of studying basic and special types of self-determination according to A.L. Zhuravlev’s and A.B. Kupreichenko’s concept

Abstract

IntroductionSocial changes that began in Russia in the 1990s entailed changes in a value system, success criteria and social regulators that caused a high level of uncertainty and a constant need for self-determination for every member of Russian society. A development and a reconsideration of ones life path has become a priority under the new conditions. Social and economic instability in Russia remain present, compelling a subject to be ready to reconsider her strategies, values and place in the society; thus, the results of personal self-determination research are in demand, making the scientific problem of self-determination one of the most relevant.A self-determination phenomenon is related to a category of complex psychological phenomena. The need for research on this type of phenomenon is conditioned by the fact, that close and particular psychological phenomena are researched and developed well enough, which is the second reason for high scientific interest in the problem of self-determination.The definition of a self-determination phenomenon varies between Russian and foreign psychology.In a foreign psychological school of thought, self-determination is understood as the intrinsic motivation of persons activity. In the R.M. Ryan and E.L. Deci (2000) conception, self-determination is described as an ability to choose and to have a choice. This definition allows taking into account both an inner individual choice and objectively existing limitations for a freedom of choice. Self-determination includes one's environment management or result-oriented actions, but may also include a refusal of control. E. Deci (1980) suggests that self-determination is not only an ability but also a basic human need. The selfdetermination definition is considered to be closely linked with a notion of personal freedom. G. Rychlak (1979; 1981) sees the foundation of freedom in a subject's own ability to determine his or her own actions, to include his or her in a system of determination of his or her own activity and to restructure it, add goal determination to causal ones and proceed from his or her own wishes and goals based on them (Rychlak, 1984). R. Harre (1979; 1983), W. Tageson (1982) and J.A. Easterbrook (1978) are scientists who made a contribution to the development of this phenomenon. R. Harre posits the subjectivity and multilevel quality of human behavior regulation. W. Tageson understands psychological freedom as a self-determination force. He regards the self-reflection of determinants and activity restrictions as key components. G. Easterbrook has similar views, but he focuses his attention on the control over basic needs and the anxiety that arises from interaction with the outside world.In our opinion, the Russian psychological school of thought regards self-determination in a wider sense, as a process of the long-lasting search for one's self, which may result not only in self-realization but also in a voluntary refusal of self-realization for higher purposes, and it may also be a description of a group or a subject (A.N. Eremina, M.R. Ginzburg, A.L. Zhuravlev and A.B. Kupreichenko, N.S. Prjazhnikov, V.F. Safin). M.R. Ginzburg believes that personal self-determination does not stop in the teenage years. According to his studies, a personality comes to new self-determination through further development. V.F. Safin regards self-determination as a process of getting control over different life spheres, self-creation, self-affirmation. N.S. Prjazhnikov considers self-determination to be a constant search for I-conception and affirmation of it among other people. He regards self-determination as way beyond one's limitations. A.L. Zhuravlev and A.B. Kupreichenko draw attention to the fact that self-determination is life-long process and that it might coincide with self-realization, self-preservation and self-sacrifice at some life stages. The studies mostly touch upon personal self-determination. …