Features of the Value-Semantic Sphere in Experiencing a Difficult Life Situation in Maturity

Abstract

We present the results of the study, aimed at revealing some features of the value-semantic sphere of adults who came across a difficult life situation and turned to specialists for help. The following inventories were used: J. Crumbaugh and L. Maholick’s Purpose in Life Test (adapted by D. Leont`ev), the Längle-Orgler Existence Scale, P. Stark’s Meaning in Suffering Test and the Allport-Ross Religious Orientation Scale. The sample consisted of 36 people aged 35—55 with neurotic reactions (n=18) and with codependency (n=18), who sought help from psychologists, psychiatrists and public organizations, and 31 people aged 35—55 in a subjectively prosperous situation (control group). The results show that in a difficult life situation a number of dimensions pertaining to the meaningfulness of life are reduced, the suffering accompanying this situation is insufficiently meaningful, and the extrinsic religious orientation is more expressed in comparison to the intrinsic one. There were no significant differences between groups of people with neurotic reactions and with codependency in any of the studied aspects of the value-semantic sphere. It is assumed that the intensity of experiences in a difficult situation and orientation to help from others are limiting reflexive analysis of life and the current moment, correlation of likely outcomes and subjectively significant values, and independent development of an adequate behavior strategy.

Coronavirus Deformation of the Value-Semantic Matrix of the Life of the World Community in the Conditions of a Postmodern Society

“…So, in small dynamics, according to Bartsalkina, Volkova, Kulagina (2019), the movement of the semantic sphere is ensured by the person's appeal to a broader context than the one that is directly actualized by the existing situation -for example, referring to one's ultimate values or moral, universal, which is usually called "from below -up ". Bratus writes that in his opinion, the main internal regularity remains the same for all casespsychological semantic systems are born in complex, multifaceted ratios of less to more, individual situations, acts of behavior to broader (actually meaning-forming) contexts of life.…”