Bulletin of Yerevan University E: Philosophy, Psychology
The thematic fields of the journal are the current issues of logic, anthropology, ethics, aesthetics, theory and history of Armenian and world philosophy. Among the thematic fields are also the current issues of history and theory of psychology, personality and clinical psychology, as well as methodology and methodics of philosophical and psychological research. The editorial board tries to expand the circle of authors inviting researchers from different universities of the world.
Yerevan State University Publishing House
The Experience and Challenges of Applying Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
In crisis and post-crisis settings, needs for mental health and psychosocial support are complex and interlinked: they encompass the individual and collective psychological, social, and mental health experiences of crisis-affected persons and communities, the state of community relationships, environmental resources, and the models of support. To respond holistically to this complexity, international practice applies the combined approach of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (hereinafter, MHPSS), which prioritizes and concentrates on resilience and recovery instead of vulnerability, and offers a layered, stage by stage, cross-sectoral, and interprofessional framework of support. Although widely used internationally, in Armenia MHPSS entered the agenda during the forced displacement from Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh). Drawing on an analysis of international experience and documents, as well as expert surveys and key-informant interviews, this article both provides a detailed description of MHPSS—addressing gaps in information—and maps the experience of applying MHPSS in Armenia, identifying obstacles and opportunities. The main results include, on the one hand, presentation of the MHPSS pyramid, the scope of professional activity and proposing service design types; and, on the other hand, documentation of the expanding national debate on MHPSS as a positive shift, while underscoring the need for intersectoral cooperation and for policies and services co-designed with the meaningful participation of affected communities. The article also highlights new research questions that require in-depth follow-up studies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Gohar Khachatryan, Narine Khachatryan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Concept of Answerability in Mikhail Bakhtin’s Moral Philosophy
In Mikhail Bakhtin's moral philosophy, answerability (responsibility) is an integral characteristic of the act, along with eventness, participation, emotional-volitional tone, self-awareness, and the personality's orientation toward the Other. Answerability synthesizes all these characteristics of the act and can be justifiably perceived as a holistic representation of the act, and of morality in general, since Bakhtin constructed his moral philosophy as a philosophy of the act, and the act was viewed as the holistic embodiment of morality. The article examines two images of answerability that emerge in Bakhtin's early works. On the one hand, answerability in his understanding is concrete and unrepeatable, carried out from “unique place in being’ in relation to this being, and in this sense it is Self-centred. On the other hand, Bakhtin's recognition of the complex architectonic of the act, determined by the value attitudes “I-for-myself, the other-for-me, and I-for-the-other,” opens up a perspective on answerability in which it appears as a response not to being, even in the concreteness of the Being-as-event, but to the Other as a participant in it, as the Other in general. In the concept of answerability as presented in the treatise, Toward a Philosophy of the Act, there is a semantic dynamic characteristic of Bakhtin's early philosophical work (unreflected upon by him in the texts themselves) – from monologism to dialogism, from a philosophy of the act to a philosophy of dialogue, the actual consequences of which are revealed in the thinker's mature works.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ruben Apressyan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Traditional Bioethical Mechanisms for the Humanization of Scientific Knowledge and their Transformation in the Era of Open Science
The article examines traditional bioethical mechanisms implemented to oversee scientific knowledge for its humanization. These fundamental mechanisms include the incorporation of bioethical principles and guidelines into recommendations for researchers, voluntary informed consent, and ethical review conducted by (bio)ethics committees. The methodological foundation of traditional bioethical oversight of scientific knowledge is based on bioethics' emphasis on transdisciplinarity, practical orientation, pluralistic universalism, personal focus, and collegial decision-making. In the context of the emergence of open science, the aforementioned mechanisms inevitably undergo changes. The new scientific paradigm that formed in the 21st century is characterized primarily by the pervasive use of artificial intelligence tools, as well as the development of transparency and openness of knowledge to society, which further emphasizes issues of protecting humans and nature, and the humanistic orientation of research. Alongside the formation of new bioethical means of knowledge oversight in open science, traditional mechanisms continue to be used. They are significantly modernized in the contemporary world, their scope of application expands beyond biomedicine (as was established in classical bioethics), and national specifics of their legitimization and application gain greater importance. Based on the study of international experience and the experience of the Republic of Belarus, the research proposes modern pathways for transforming the activities of (bio)ethics committees, practices of voluntary informed consent, and the development and improvement of international and national advisory documents on bioethical issues.
Copyright (c) 2025 Valerya Sokolchik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Profanation of the Existential Context of Perception: Man in the “Virtual Steppes.”
The culture of life organization is a context of perception that enables a person to see and comprehend the world in its entirety and to construct his own “shelter” of ontological security. Yet life itself remains an unfinished drama of searching for possibilities, during which, at certain stages, radical transformations in the cultural context of coexistence may deprive a person of those factors constitutive of his empirical nature—factors that once, more or less accurately, outlined both the present and the prospects of his life, as well as the measure and limits of his autonomy. The problem lies in the fact that each context of perception carries its own set of cultural elements, capable not only of internally undermining the social and anthropological foundations of the ontological “shelter” of a given era, but also of depriving man of his metaphysical and transcendental essence. From this perspective, the ontological order of modern individualistic (self-oriented) society appears as a form of coexistence that lacks a shared cultural context for “growing old together.” In such a society, the tendencies toward the loss of autonomous existence have emerged as challenges of anthropological magnitude, which directly erode the foundational principles of living life within a visible horizon.
Copyright (c) 2025 Edvard Harutyunyan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Comparative Analysis of Professional Characteristics of Internet Addiction Formation
In this article, we examined the influence of professional activity on the development of Internet addiction based on psychological theories and a comparative analysis of surveys and testing of specialists. In the article, we examined the influence of the features of professional activity on the formation of Internet addiction based on comparative analysis and psychological theories. In the digital age, the use of the Internet has become an integral part of life, significantly changing our work, educational and social environment. At the same time, excessive Internet use leads to Internet addiction, which is currently considered an urgent problem of psychological and social health. This problem is especially relevant in the professional environment, where the work efficiency and mental health of employees are closely linked to digital technologies. The study of Internet addiction has been gaining momentum in recent years, but the specifics of addiction formation in the professional environment and its impact have not yet been studied deeply enough. The article is devoted to Internet addiction in various professions․
Copyright (c) 2025 Lusine Ghazaryan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The problem of artificial intelligence in the context of existential ontology
In today’s virtual and increasingly digitalized world, the questions surrounding the relationship between the development of artificial intelligence and the existential ontology of the human being have acquired new theoretical and practical significance. These issues require focused philosophical and socio-cultural reflection.Taking this reality into account and addressing the challenges facing contemporary society, the article places special emphasis on the fundamental questions concerning the nature, development, and functions of artificial intelligence, as well as the problems and potential risks it poses. Attention is also given to the prospects for effective human–AI interaction and the potential of human–machine systems to contribute to solving real societal issues.The core issue lies in the fact that the increasing penetration of artificial intelligence into nearly all spheres of life—its growing role in the digital economy, business, and other domains—as well as the emergence of virtual reality and the post-human era, demand a rethinking of the place and role of cutting-edge technologies in human life.Furthermore, the interest in artificial intelligence is driven not only by the modern human’s attraction to technological innovations that aim to improve socio-economic life, but also by the fact that AI exhibits playful dimensions and is tied to questions concerning the organization of leisure and entertainment in consumer society.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nelli Alaverdyan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Consumer Mentality: Existential Considerations
Civilization is gradually approaching a dangerous boundary, full of temptations, beyond which the influence of uncontrolled forces may prove fatal for humanity. The absence of cultural-anthropological rootedness in existence gives rise to a paradoxical socio-psychological sensation of a vanishing reality. In place of reality, a hyperreality or virtual reality takes shape, where it no longer matters what is real and what is not. Life unfolds as a transcendental movement of creating simulacrums and illusions that mask the absence of the original reality. Spiritual values gradually undergo transformation and become symbolic images of commodities. A new stratum of people with narrow and limited views and aspirations is being formed, for whom brand identity becomes the primary criterion of self-identification. Man relinquishes long-term goals, which, by simplifying existence, leads to an existential devaluation of life. The "deal" becomes more important than the existential price to be paid for it. In the context of current civilizational transformations, preserving existential integrity requires abandoning the obsession with absolute evolutionism and, by limiting being, making conscious efforts toward the co-development (coevolution) of the natural (the spiritual-bodily wholeness of the human being) and the artificial (virtual reality, artificial intelligence) - for the sake of preserving the wholeness of existential being.
Copyright (c) 2025 Gagik Soghomonyan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Moral Status of an Entity in the Context of Bioethics
The issue of determining the moral status of an entity is a central topic in contemporary bioethical debates. It plays a particularly significant role in assessing the moral permissibility of practices such as euthanasia, abortion, the attribution of rights to animals, and various other bioethical concerns. This article examines four major approaches to defining moral status: speciesism, sentience, self-awareness and cognition, and finally, the gradual approach. As a result of the analysis, the application of the principle of speciesism is deemed morally unacceptable, while the principles based on sentience and on self-awareness/cognition, when considered independently, lead to theoretical ambiguities, internal contradictions, and fail to provide intuitively compelling justifications. Compared to the three key approaches mentioned above, the gradual approach has relative advantages. The gradual approach is the model of defining an entity’s moral status according to which moral status does not have a binary nature, but is expressed gradually. The gradual approach offers several comparative advantages: it is more flexible, intuitively persuasive, inclusive, and theoretically coherent.
Copyright (c) 2025 Levon Babajanyan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The article comes to prove the thesis that considering Gr. Narekatsi a mystic with no restraint would contradict the essence and logic of “The Book of Tragedy” as the book’s interpretation of Man-God relation does not harmonize withthe mystic conception of re-living the presence of God only conceptually. Narekatsi’s ultimate aim is to reach earthly soul-saving now and here via Man’s and Humanity’s spiritual and moral self-perfection. Thus, by his “The Book of Tragedy” Narekatsi comes into contact with mysticism as much as it is present in the everyday conception of religious belief and life whatsoever. In this regard, the tragedy portrayed in «The Book of Tragedy» is multi-layered; on the one hand, it reflects human alienation from Cod and overcoming these controversies on the basis of unhindered reasonable faithas the true way of human perfection and redemption, on the other hand, the reflection of mental dualism: the conflict between good and evil, human and divine. The authors shed light on the proper philosophical-religious aspects of this many-sided work for the first time stressing its novelty, namely the attempts of improving the doctrine of the church, the reform-minded approach to the interpretation of the problem of interrelation between faith and reason, a human and Cod.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hayk Haroyan, Nelli Haroyan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The role of organizational communication in the trust-building process in the organization (on the example of the RA labor market)
In today's fast-changing labor market, creating an atmosphere of trust within an organization is crucial for its stability and success. Trust serves as a foundation in the relationship between employees and the organization, gaining even more importance during times of crisis. Examining the role of organizational communication and other influential factors in building trust will enable HR professionals and leadership teams to direct resources to ensure a high level of trust within the organization. This is especially important in the rapidly changing environment, where ensuring high organizational performance and employee engagement are among organizations' key challenges. This research aims to study the role of organizational communication in the process of building trust in the organization, as well as to identify the key factors that influence trust formation. It is assumed that in organizations where employees rate the quality of communication high, trust in the organization is also at a higher level. The survey method was used to conduct the research. According to the research results, there is a positive correlation between trust in the organization and the level of communication within the organization (r=0.72). In the process of employees' trust in the organization, the most important factors are leadership honesty, a healthy and positive work environment, transparency, and leadership support.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anahit Gevorgyan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The dynamics of personality adaptation mechanisms under conditions of prolonged armed conflict.
This paper examines the theoretical and methodological foundations for studying the dynamics of personality adaptation mechanisms under conditions of prolonged armed conflict. The relevance of the topic stems from the need to comprehend the processes of psychological adaptation under sustained exposure to extreme stressors that go beyond the classical understanding of traumatic situations. The study draws on the systemic and subject-activity approaches, as well as contemporary conceptual frameworks that expand the understanding of adaptation, including the theories of resilience, continuous traumatic stress (CTS), and basic assumptions. In this work, adaptation mechanisms are viewed as an interconnected system influenced by internal (mental state, basic assumptions) and external (characteristics of stress exposure, social support, and context) factors. The empirical section presents data from a pilot study involving three groups differing in their experience of living in a conflict zone. Based on these data, the paper provides a step-by-step rationale for the selection of diagnostic instruments. The following validated methods were used: Psychological Defense Measurement Scale (E.R. Pilyugina, R.F. Suleymanov), Method for the Determination of Individual Coping Strategies (MDICS) by E. Heim, «Dominant States» by L.V. Kulikov, World Assumptions Scale (WAS) by R. Janoff-Bulman, an original biographical questionnaire. The results revealed intergroup differences in defense profiles, coping strategies, psychoemotional states, and cognitive attitudes. Correlational analysis identified stable links between adaptation components, including associations between emotional regulation, a positive self-image, and subjective control, as well as the maladaptive role of avoidance and rationalization under conditions of prolonged stress. These findings are interpreted as reflections of the specific nature of adaptation to continuous stress exposure. The study emphasizes the need for an integrative approach that considers both individual and contextual variables. The findings support the hypothesis of the dynamic nature of adaptation mechanisms and provide a foundation for future research directions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hrant Avanesyn, Anastasiia Shumarova https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The impact of maternal-infant attachment style on infant sleep regulation
This article explores the fundamental manifestations of maternal-infant emotional attachment in the postpartum period and their correlation with the characteristics of infant sleep. Drawing upon established attachment theories, the study highlights the depth and quality of the mother-infant bond, emphasizing its role in shaping the child’s ability to regulate sleep. The analysis underscores that behavioral sleep disturbances are not contingent upon birth order, age, gender, or the family’s socio-economic status. Rather, they are inherent to the child’s natural developmental trajectory. The author posits that sleep disturbances should not be viewed solely as physiological phenomena but as reflections of the child’s emotional and psychological well-being. Furthermore, sleep constitutes an essential component of the vital instinct that safeguards the infant from the overwhelming stimuli of the external world, which may otherwise inundate the immature and unprepared psyche of the newborn. Achieving optimal and high-quality sleep necessitates the integration of psychological physiological, and environmental factors, with maternal emotional responsiveness playing a pivotal role in this equilibrium. In high of this, the article presents a pilot study investigating the relationship between maternal-infant attachment style and the methods employed for sleep regulation, providing empirical insights into this intricate dynamic.
Copyright (c) 2025 Emma Arzieva https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A comparative analysis of family roles and values
This study aims to identify the values in family relationships within the context of traditional and egalitarian family structures. It examines the differences between urban and rural families, focusing on role distribution, child-rearing practices, and the maintenance of family relationships․ Special attention is given to terminal and instrumental values, which shape family interactions, contribute to harmony, and influence parenting strategies. Empirical research highlights key differences in the value orientations of traditional and modern families, reflecting their adaptation to the changing social conditions. The findings reveal that traditional families emphasize preserving personal life, ensuring family well-being, and strengthening emotional bonds across generations. At the same time, egalitarian families focus on the equal distribution of responsibilities, professional self-realization, and social engagement. In contrast, rural families place greater importance on traditions, familial warmth, and values that promote family stability and strengthen intergenerational bonds. The family remains a fundamental element of the social structure, shaping individual identity, preserving cultural heritage, and contributing to societal stability. The article underscores the importance of studying family values and roles in the context of modern globalization and social transformation
Copyright (c) 2025 Varduhi Papoyan, Alina Galstyan, Narine Harutyunyan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A new attempt to solve a mistery of David the Invincible
It is known, as a result of modern scientific reconstruction, the Armenian written tradition about David the Invincible has been questioned, and he has been moved from the fifth century to the second half of the sixth century. The article examines the issue of the reconstruction of the time of David the Invincible and, based on the references in medieval texts, an attempt is made to substantiate the fact that the Armenian medieval written tradition about David has not yet been refuted. It is shown that if there are no so-called “evidentiary” grounds for seeing David in the fifth century, then they are also absent in the new reconstructions that remove David from the fifth century. In particular, some arguments put forward in Misak Khostikyan’s work “David the Philosopher” are examined and their refutations are given, or, at the very least, their lack of sufficient grounds is shown. The article suggests that the priest David mentioned by Yeghishe could very likely be the same David the philosopher, who has been called “Invincible” in Armenian written tradition for some time. It is also shown that in some texts that have come down to us from the fifth century, there are mentions of people named David, and it should not be excluded that they or some of them may refer to David the Invincible. The method of analogy is used to gain a clearer understanding of the spiritual and intellectual culture of late antiquity or the early Middle Ages. Parallels are drawn with other thinkers of the time, Prohaeresius and Boethius, to show the close connection of early Christian culture with the ancient Greco-Roman philosophical tradition. This makes it possible to refute the approach of researchers who in a scientific manner suggest to exclude that David could have been a Christian, and at the same time could teach the Hellenistic material to first-year philosophy students.
Copyright (c) 2025 Silva Petrosyan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The christian humanism of Gregor Narekatsi
The article discusses an issue related to the evaluation of the worldview and philosophical views of Grigor Narekatsi (951-1003), the greatest poet and philosopher of the Middle Ages, and to clarify it, the concepts of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Armenian Renaissance, Christian God-centered humanism and Renaissance human-centered humanism are analyzed. Some researchers, referring to Narekatsi's book “The Book of Tragedy”, his innovative thoughts and approaches, the doctrine of the "inner" man and the salvation of man, consider him a representative of the Armenian Renaissance, a forerunner, that is, not a thinker of the Middle Ages, but of the Renaissance era. If in the Soviet period, when the Marxist methodology was in control, the circulation of such narrative was understandable (the theory of the Oriental and Armenian Renaissance was meant to justify the proposition of the Marxist philosophy of history that universal patterns operate with iron necessity in history, for example, all peoples must go through the same stages of development), then it is unclear why researchers today defend this highly ideological and ineffective methodological narrative. According to the author, such narrative is due to the fact that these researchers: a/ essentially ignore the differences between Medieval and Renaissance cultures, as a result of which the phenomena characteristic of medieval culture are presented as renaissance, b/ ignore the peculiarities of Christian God-centered humanism and Renaissance human-centered humanism, c/ Considering Narekatsu as a representative of the Armenian Renaissance, they allegedly give him an assessment corresponding to his genius (in this case it is assumed that the Renaissance era is progressive compared to the Middle Ages). Meanwhile, Narekatsi- the greatest representative of Christian humanism, truly a "Archimandrite of the Universal Church" is a medieval thinker with his vision of human salvation, with his way of thinking, ways of discussing and solving worldview-philosophical issues.
God-centered humanism and human-centered humanism
Copyright (c) 2025 Seyran Zakaryan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Psychological characteristics of participants' behavior management in modeling experiments
Modeling experiments have increasingly become vital tools for studying human behavior and psychological dimensions. In such research, it is crucial to consider not only the objective data but also the psychological state, behavioral expressions, and motivations of the participants. It is hypothesized that the effective management of participants’ behavior and motivation in modeling experiments enables the acquisition of more accurate and reliable results while reducing the likelihood of obtaining disconnected, false data caused by participants' lack of interest or stress. This article examines the psychological characteristics of individuals involved in modeling experiments and approaches to managing their behavior.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bulletin of Yerevan University https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Challenges for the public use of reason in the post-truth times
The post-truth era presents significant obstacles to individuals' ability to reason freely and independently and make informed decisions in the public sphere. In the article, the author draws on the 18th-century German philosopher Immanuel Kant’s concept of the public use of reason, highlighting that retreating from the values of Enlightenment threatens the future of public rational discourse and democracy. In today's world, the Kantian idea of public use of reason faces several challenges related to moving away from or at least deviating from Enlightenment ideals. This article will address the most pressing issues of the current post-truth world: misinformation and disinformation, social media algorithms and echo chambers, emotional manipulation, and populism. Each of these factors in turn undermines the necessary conditions for individuals to reason freely and independently in the public sphere. However, by revising the goals of education, rebuilding trust in traditional institutions, implementing more thoughtful strategies around digital technologies, and prioritizing the "big" politics of public truths, it is still possible to create public spaces for free deliberation and democratic engagement.
Psychological Well-Being as a Socio-Psychological Factor in Choosing a Leader
This article presents the findings of a study examining the correlation between psychological well-being and the factors influencing the selection of a political leader. In contemporary society, where social, political, and economic conditions are in constant flux, psychological science—alongside other disciplines—has increasingly focused on the concept of well-being. This emphasis stems from the recognition that well-being constitutes a fundamental indicator of both individual and societal quality of life. The study was conducted in two stages. The first stage involved a sample of 100 participants, while the second stage included 15 experts, comprising 8 psychologists and 7 political scientists. Statistical analysis of the data revealed a significant relationship between gender and psychological well-being indicators (χ² = 5.657; p < 0.05), as well as between age and psychological well-being indicators (χ² = 35.907; p < 0.05). Furthermore, Spearman’s correlation coefficient analysis indicated a statistically significant association between psychological well-being and the factors influencing the selection of a political leader (p < 0.05). The results of the expert survey suggest that individuals, guided by their specific needs, tend to prioritize and value leadership attributes that they perceive as instrumental in ensuring long-term satisfaction and well-being.
The Supremacy of Authority: Its Impact and Barriers on Content Development
The article explores the phenomenon of the cult of authority and its impact on the objective evaluation of content, the dissemination of innovation, and societal progress. This issue is examined within various historical and cultural contexts, highlighting how positions of authority often become tools for the dominance of ideas, overshadowing the true value of the content itself. Authority serves not only as a source of influence but also as a mechanism for shaping social norms and value systems, potentially hindering free and critical thinking. The analysis draws on the perspectives of Michel Foucault, Roland Barthes, Karl Popper, and Edward Said, who emphasize the promotion of free thought and critical approaches. Foucault examines mechanisms of control and how they restrict intellectual freedom. Barthes, through his concept of the &quot;death of the author,&quot; advocates for focusing on the content itself, irrespective of its creator. Karl Popper underscores the importance of openness in scientific thought and the necessity of critical discussion, while Said, through his analysis of East-West binary oppositions, reveals cultural hierarchies shaped by authority. These issues, in turn, point to the challenges of intellectual freedom, the open exchange of ideas, and hierarchies within cultural institutions. It concludes that the liberalization of educational and cultural systems could lead to the recognition and appreciation of the intrinsic value of content. Ultimately, creating environments free from the influence of authority is essential for fostering innovation, promoting inclusivity, and advancing societal progress by ensuring the development of free and critical thinking.
The Sunset of Anthropocentric Ontology: Post-Biological Man
As a result of the disproportionate development of human creative abilities and the spiritual and moral progress of humanity, the moral context of modern human life has begun to wear out and shrink like “shag leather”. The problem is that the science and the latest technological achievements of the era of postmodernity have not only fundamentally changed ( and are changing) the objective foundations of the once ontological order of human life, but also the essence and nature of the human being, both in his body and moral perceptions, and spiritual inner world in general. This new type of man is no longer a bodily singularity, since this mixture of biological and technical organs (cyborg), modified at the genetic level and representing the superman of our time, no longer expresses the essence of the natural man (the self) and is transformed into a technically replaceable formation. Moreover, in our consumer world that is aimed at satisfying insatiable material needs, men, henceforth, are valued from the perspective of “efficiency” in contributing to economic prosperity. This is an undeniably worrying reality, which requires a new understanding of the process and consequences of the transformations of the constants (sociality, morality, the meaning of life, perfection, humanity) that embody the structure of the spiritual context of human social ontology.
The World “Vuca” in the Light of the Classification of Mental Illness
Many things in various areas of modern life undermine undermines trust in the world`s order and common sense. History is a consistent alternation of this trust and mistrust, but in the last few decades mistrust has definitely prevailed. It is not accidentally that the modern world began to be called «VUCA» (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity). The article shows how these four qualities affected the problem of classification of mental disorders, as well as how the semantic context of these classifications can change the view of the problem of mental health and illness. In a rigorous sense, the existing psychiatric classification has not been scientifically implemented, since its main condition – the principle of recognizing the etiology and phenomenology of the disease - not complied. Consequently, there is no a holistic consideration of the nature of the disease, that's why the author comes to the conclusion that should be considered threefold approach of the diagnostic problem, including somatic, psychological and spiritual aspects, despite the objective difficulties of integrating these approaches. For this, it is necessary to fulfill at least two conditions. First of all, to make our notions, concepts and terms more certain, distinct and “strong”, and secondly, to have trust in our own thinking, despite the fact, that the world of “VUCA” forces not to believe in the world`s order and common sense.
The Importance of the Process of Forming a Student’s Professional Identity in Modern Conditions
The article examines certain characteristics of the process of forming a student’s professional identity in the context of modern environmental transformations. Attention is paid to the professionalization of students in the higher education system. Such criterion of professionalization as professional identity (PI) is examined, which is an important prognostic indicator of the success of both educational and professional activities and the student’s future professional activities. The issue of a forced change of professional activity by a person in the modern world and, as a consequence, the transformation of his PI is discussed. The psychological side of “rebuilding” of person’s own PI is discussed. Theoretical material is presented which allows us to conclude about the need to form PI in a person, regardless of possible changes in his professional activity and the specifics of the modern world, in accordance with the target direction of the work. The logic of presenting the material corresponds to the step-by-step solution of the following tasks: to consider the most characteristic features of modernity and their impact on the process of professionalization of the student; identify the role of PI in this process; understand how the formation of PI occurs in conditions of a forced change of profession. This made it possible to touch upon the problem of human adaptation to changes occurring in the technogenic space of the social world, to turn to an understanding of the process of alienation and the possibility of overcoming this state as a condition for the formation of identity. The issue of the quality of university education is being updated in connection with the demands of modern society, the need for the functioning of the university as a social institution for the development of the student’s personality. Both the conceptual diversity of understanding the category of professionalization and its role in the formation of a person’s identity in general, and PI in particular, are discussed. A detailed description of the structure of PI, different forms of the student’s PI, and the possibility of adjusting them are presented. Special attention is paid to the fact that the formation of PI is controlled by the person himself, which suggests that the process of PI formation is based on the self-regulatory potential of the individual. A “chain” of reasoning is presented that allows us to make an assumption about the beneficial influence of the three main functions of self-regulation on the formation of PI in a situation of a forced change of profession. Reference is made to the connection between “soft skills” and self-regulation and their role in the process of professionalization. The conclusion is made about the need to form PI among students.
Do Regulatory Focus and Mindset Affect Young Adults’ Well-Being? the Study of Individual Differences on Psychological Well-Being
This study investigated the relationship between regulatory focus, mindset, and well-being among young adults. Specifically, this was to examine whether promotion focus, prevention focus, and growth mindset were associated with higher levels of well-being. Our sample consisted of 332 young adults aged 18-25, who completed questionnaires assessing regulatory focus, mindset, and well-being. Results showed that promotion focus and growth mindset were positively associated with well-being, whereas prevention focus was negatively related to well-being. These findings suggest that individuals who tend to pursue positive outcomes and approach-oriented goals are more likely to experience higher levels of well-being. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering individual differences in regulatory focus and mindset when examining the factors that contribute to young adults’ well-being.
Copyright (c) 2024 Bulletin of Yerevan University https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
The Methodological Crisis in Psychology, the Crisis of Methodology of Psychology, and the Issue of Methodological Entitiness of Psychology
The article discusses the manifestations of the methodological crisis of psychology and the possibilities of its solution. Special attention is paid to the fact that nowadays the crisis of psychology is mostly manifested not by the open conflict of its separate directions, but by the crisis of the methodology of psychology, which can be expressed, for example, by the presence of a crisis in the field of discussion of the problem of the methodological crisis caused by the theoretical fragmentation of psychology. The crisis in methodology of psychology arises primarily because, amid the diversity of psychological theories, a cohesive methodology has historically not been established to precede psychological conceptions. This lack of a unified methodological framework hinders the opportunity to form a cohesive field for considering these conceptions together. In the absence of a unified methodology, discussing the theoretical fragmentation of psychology becomes impossible. Therefore, the unification of psychology must be preceded by the unification of its methodology. A unified methodology is only feasible if it presupposes a form of psychology that is methodologically prior to all historically establish and circulating psychological conceptions. The possibility of such psychology is directly related to the problem of methodological entitiness of psychology, which refers to the existence of psychology independent of all known psychological concepts. The latter acts as a dimension composed of the axes of the possibility of psychological knowledge and the necessity of forming psychological concepts, where all psychological concepts can be combined and considered together.
"Together Loneliness" as a Phenomenon of the Information Society
Digital technologies promise to unite people, but they often have the opposite effect, deepening the feeling of loneliness. Constant online presence through social media and instant messaging leads to superficial, meaningless interactions. This situation creates a unique paradox: "together loneliness," where people feel isolated even in the midst of large city crowds or on the most active internet platforms, despite the presence of digital connections. The article not only examines the social and psychological consequences of digital alienation but also highlights the philosophical aspects of the loneliness problem. Special attention is paid to the impact of digital technologies on teenagers. The constant use of smartphones and social media reduces the frequency and quality of personal interactions, hindering the development of empathy, self-analysis, and emotional self-expression skills. As a result, teenagers often avoid communicating in real life, preferring digital interactions, which further deepens the feeling of loneliness and social isolation. The article proposes multi-layered solutions to the problem, including measures implemented at different levels of society. These are aimed at restoring direct human interactions and preventing further deepening of digital disconnection, with the goal of reaffirming the importance of real, meaningful connections in our digitized world.
Historical Memory as a Socio-Cultural Text of Generational Identity Continuity
The course of human history shows that relying on historical memory is one of the key prerequisites for the continuity of generational identity, as it ensures both the connection and continuity between the past and the present while also gaining significant importance in the discourse of the future. Through historical memory, we become acquainted with the culture of organizing the lives of ancestors, which encapsulates the socio-cultural codes necessary for the identification of generations—traditions and customs, stereotypes and prejudices, myths, rituals, taboos, and so on. Every culture of life organization is based on historical memory and, through it, transmits to the new generation a set of value-ethical characteristics that are crucial for identity. This implies that by integrating into the existing life culture, a person is faced with a dilemma each time and must decide whether to follow the behavioral rules and socio-cultural norms specific to the culture of life organization of the past, or to revise and modernize their socio-cultural context. Based on the above facts, historical memory is presented in the article as a precondition of key importance for the continuity of the identity of generations, serving as a unique context of staying true to the identity values of the past, but at the same time revising and revaluing them.
Causes of Internet Addiction in the Context of Individual Involvement in Professional Activity
The relevance of the article's topic is due to the fact that in the 21st century, the internet has experienced rapid development as a means for individuals to engage in professional activities, obtain information, communicate virtually, and meet various social needs. In this context, the information society is facing a socio-psychological phenomenon that has been termed internet addiction within professional circles. Indeed, this phenomenon can affect people regardless of gender, age, or educational background. However, scientific literature also identifies specific target groups that are more prone to internet addiction. We tend to believe that in certain cases, specific professions also create conditions that can shape corresponding tendencies in individuals to varying degrees. Therefore, such research is important and timely for identifying potential targets and developing appropriate strategies aimed at mitigating risks. The aim of the research conducted within the article is to investigate the potential for internet addiction based on an individual's profession, by identifying those at higher risk. The research is grounded in the works of Klimov and Holland on professional classification, Orzack's views on the characteristics of internet addiction, and Young's methodology, which helps determine the level of internet dependency. Based on our research, we find that individuals whose professional activities are directly related to the use of internet resources are in the most at-risk zone for internet addiction. This is because, outside of work, people use the opportunities provided by the Internet to meet various needs, thereby becoming targets for potential addiction.
Deontologizing social being: the human in the virtual world
In our era of postmodernism, due to contradictions and unprecedented unrest, man has found himself in such a situation that it is becoming increasingly difficult to simultaneously evaluate the period lived and ensure the ontological stability of human existence. The problem is that modern globalization processes, on the one hand, expand the framework of the socio-cultural space and time of human existence and activity and include it in a new context of possibilities, on the other hand, however, as a result of all this, man is, as it were, alienated from the world he created and ontologically obvious, real and native, and finds a place of residence in the virtual world. Figuratively speaking, an unprecedented process of deontologization of the social and creation of a fundamentally different world has begun, as a result of which man gradually moves away from the once remarkable and soulful world and settles in an alien world without being, which seems to be a semblance of the original in which he lived. What this new world will ultimately be like is not entirely clear, because the fate of this new and desocializing man who has undertaken all this is also unclear, over whose head, as K. Jung would say, is the sky, under whose feet is shrouded in history and all of humanity lost in the mists of antiquity, and ahead is the abyss of the future.
The Existential Cost of the Social Staging of Life: Man in an Ontological Trap
In the article, the problems of the incompleteness of human eхistence and the specificity of social ontology are discussed in the context of тhe social project. Social ontology is a complete system endowed with the «constitutional» powers of organizing human coexistence, as well as regulating economic, political and socio-cultural life,within which human natural and metaphysical identities constantly clash.The problem is that only by passing from the «biological economy” to the «metaphysical economy» can a person confirm his ontological greatness, acquire a metaphysical identity and become a social subject․ But in order for a person to acquire the status of a social subject, he must identify with the role assigned to him and be what the given social system wants him to be. In fact,in the social staging of life, existence is deprived of differences, because the players are not independent subjects, but puppet incarnations formed by order of the social system and subordinate to it,or, in other words, dead masks representing the subject. Additionally, in order to discover the manifestation charachteristics of the phenomena of '' the death of the subject'' in the sociocultural context it is necessary to transition from the procedural consideration to the examination of the status (role) derived from the present social institutions, and to show that the role is not only the constitutive principle of human existence, but also a mask with the help og which one can present or hide the individuality of a person. This has already been done.
Historical Memory as a Component of Society’s Value-Normative System
The article deals with the issues of historical memory, the factors that form it, and the main forms of manifestation and transmission mechanisms. Historical memory was considered from two perspectives. first, the philosophy of historical memory can be considered as a part of the biophilosophy of a person who carries memory, knows himself and evaluates its content, secondly, historical memory is important as a factor for mobilizing the "valuable potential of society" to respond to the challenges of our time. Taking into account the challenges faced by modern society, the article paid special attention to the possibilities of the approach called "technological determinism", which makes one realize the need for "technological breakthrough" as a condition for the survival of the country, and which can be a corresponding "turning point" in historical consciousness and historical for memory. It is about the historical experience of implementing scientific and technological "breakthroughs" and mobilizing the creative potential of society to solve vital problems. Historical memory is one of the important components shaping political behavior and consciousness. It makes the past a real value, a significant part of our life and a driving force for the most important social events. Historical memory, with its energy, drives society to certain institutionalized behaviors, and divides historical space and time. In this process, the decoding and revaluation of historical memory is an important prerequisite for ensuring the continuity and vitality of the normal transformation of society.