What is internal conflict? Internal conflict: what it is and how to deal with it (nuances of understanding and possibilities of overcoming)

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Total depression and regular, never-ending depression and lack of desire for self-development are symptoms characteristic of people who are unsure of their own abilities. Having addressed such problems to a psychologist, a professional will not be surprised and will offer various options for dealing with the situation. Less often, patients find themselves on the specialist’s couch who cannot understand their own thoughts. People who do not realize the scale of the differences that have emerged risk becoming regulars in psychiatric hospitals.

An internal conflict of a personality is a complex of contradictions that arise in a person at a subconscious level. This condition is perceived as an insoluble emotional problem. Some people cannot cope with oppressive circumstances on their own, succumbing to depression. and lack of rational thinking are other symptoms of a person having an intrapersonal conflict, a severe form of which leads to neurotic diseases. If the disagreement is not detected in time, then you can say goodbye to it forever. What to do in this situation? What techniques will help? How to understand your own thoughts?

Classification and scale of intrapersonal conflicts

If you find yourself in such a situation, it is important to first familiarize yourself with the terminology, because a classic session with a psychotherapist can only help in the early stages. People turn for help, as a rule, with a full-fledged problem that is thoroughly “settled” in the patient’s subconscious. In the 21st century, two groups of intrapersonal conflicts have been identified, which differ in the prerequisites for the emergence of mental disagreements:

The discrepancy between a person’s internal feelings and the foundations and rules of the surrounding world.
Disagreements with society or the presence of irritating factors that negatively affect the “vulnerable” personality.

Along with the options for the occurrence of intrapersonal misunderstandings, the scale of disagreements that appear in a person’s subconscious is distinguished:

The initial stage of a neurotic disease, during which a person encounters 1-2 disagreements within his own consciousness. If you do not find answers to the questions that arise in time, you can significantly aggravate the current situation. Misunderstandings develop into depression and stress, which gradually “consumes” a self-sufficient person.

Apathy towards life; long-term crisis.

Constant failures in professional activities and lack of career growth, troubles in communicating with friends and discord in the family - there are many reasons for the emergence of such a stage of intrapersonal conflict. A person susceptible to such a disease experiences lesions on all “fronts”. Due to regular losses, an individual’s self-esteem gradually decreases and faith in one’s own strength decreases. Over time, the patient stops thinking about positive “things”, complaining about the injustice of life.

The patient has a diagnosis of Multiple Personalities.

A striking example of this phenomenon is the story of Billy Milligan, a convict from the United States of America. The young man who found himself in the courtroom did not realize what was happening. Different people, differing in voices, habits and dialects, took turns talking to the jury in the person of the young man. The accused could gracefully express his own thoughts while flirting with government officials. After a second, his timbre became rough, he lit a cigarette and switched to prison vocabulary.

Numerous studies that were carried out in innovation laboratories of the 20th century confirmed that the young man was diagnosed with “Multiple Personalities.” In the guy’s mind, twenty-four full-fledged people simultaneously coexisted - young children and adult women, atheists and believers, former prisoners and political figures. This phenomenon is considered the extreme stage of intrapersonal disagreements and misunderstandings.

Causes of intrapersonal misunderstandings

Having become familiar with the possible options for the development of mental illness, it is important to correctly diagnose the problem by determining the cause of mental disagreements. In modern society, people often turn to professionals for help for the following reasons:

Application of favorite behavioral strategies in an unfamiliar situation. The method used does not work, and uncertainty settles in the person’s mind. On the one hand, such a method had already helped him, but from another perspective it turned out to be invalid.
Inability to make timely fundamental and responsible decisions that will affect the outcome of events.
Lack of adequate information to help “soberly” assess the current situation. At such a moment, a million options appear in the subconscious of the individual, which the person begins to sort out.
Systematic “defeats” or dissatisfaction with one’s own way of life. The patient does not understand why he is haunted by failures, because he is a talented, educated and interesting person.
Isolation and lack of communication with real people are the most common reasons for the emergence of imaginary friends in the subconscious with whom you can argue and talk.
Childhood grievances or self-esteem problems that arise in people who are unsure of their own abilities.
Unmanageable obligations that appear on the “shoulders” of a person. When trying to solve a problem that is beyond the individual’s control, a moment of disappointment invariably comes.
Hopelessness is the main reason for a person to make “friends” on a subconscious level. If the patient cannot influence the result, then he tries to project it in his own head, enlisting the support of his newly made “comrades.”

If from the above reasons you have not found a similar option, then only a practicing psychologist can help in this situation. Only a professional who has already had experience working with people suffering from intrapersonal disagreements can diagnose the prerequisites. Do not think that the absence of your dilemma among the listed reasons is a reason to calm down. People will not read this article out of idle interest.

The positive impact of intrapersonal conflict on a person’s future

Despite the danger of a person developing a severe form of neurotic disease, intrapersonal conflict is an excellent opportunity to rethink values ​​by adjusting one’s own worldview. Practitioners working with such patients identify the following positive changes in the psyche of people who have coped with disagreements:

Forced mobilization of hidden personal resources, with the help of which it is possible to solve the emerging problem.
A “sober” look from the outside at what is desired and what is real, haunting the patient’s inner world.
, because a person copes with a serious mental disorder by overcoming a number of fears.
The patient develops rational thinking, which helps him make decisions in controversial and especially difficult situations.
Knowledge of one’s own “I”, improving a person’s attitude towards society.
In the process of searching for a solution to a problem, brilliant thoughts appear and effective ways to realize hidden potential are found.

The main thing is to contact a psychologist in time, who can correctly diagnose the cause of internal disagreements. It is extremely rare for people susceptible to neurotic illness to solve such a problem on their own. Too many subconscious “interlocutors” are present in the patient’s head, directing the true personality along the wrong path.

Effective ways to resolve intrapersonal conflict

If a person who has mental disorders refuses to visit a specialist’s office, then you can try to change the course of events on your own. However, it will not be possible to do without the help of close relatives, spouse or friends. It becomes possible to resolve the emerging dispute if you use the useful recommendations of psychologists in time:

Choosing a compromise solution that involves eliminating internal disagreement. Where to go: football or basketball? Feel free to choose volleyball without creating a seed of doubt in your mind.
Change your own attitude towards the object of dispute. What to buy for dinner: sausage or cheese? In this situation, prefer sandwiches with sausage and cheese, taking a small amount of both products from the counter.
Consciously refuse to solve the problem that has arisen, closing your “eyes” to internal contradictions. Leave the choice to fate, which is not characterized by long-term confusion.
Push unacceptable thoughts out of your consciousness by refusing to realize them (this is how William Stanley Milligan was cured).
Adjust your own worldview to achieve the desired result. Adapt to the circumstances, but do not take this strategy as a rule.

Some psychologists suggest that patients idealize the problem, succumb to fantasies and abandon reality. The illusory world is beautiful, which means you will gain. However, most professionals question the effectiveness of this technique.
Make it a rule to repeat on a subconscious level during difficult periods of life the following phrase: “There are no hopeless situations.”

Learn to make your own choices without thinking for a long time about possible outcomes in the current situation. Guided by the above tips and enlisting the support of loved ones, you can change the usual course of events. The main thing is to really want to get rid of internal disagreements by showing willpower and fortitude.

Awareness of the scale of the conflict is the first step towards recovery, which is worth being proud of. Identifying the true cause is the second stage, helping to determine the source of the fire. Finding a solution and getting rid of internal disagreements is the third step, which is especially difficult to climb. However, at the end of the energy-consuming journey, a pleasant reward awaits you - peace of mind.

February 3, 2014

Intrapersonal conflict is one of the most complex psychological conflicts that plays out in a person’s inner world. It is difficult to imagine a person who would not be subject to intrapersonal conflicts. Moreover, a person constantly faces such conflicts. Intrapersonal conflicts of a constructive nature are necessary moments in personality development. But destructive intrapersonal conflicts pose a serious danger to the individual, from difficult experiences that cause stress to the extreme form of their resolution - suicide. Therefore, it is important for every person to know the essence of intrapersonal conflicts, their causes and methods of resolution. These and other aspects of intrapersonal conflicts are reflected in this topic of the workshop.

Self-study material

The concept of intrapersonal conflict

Intrapersonal conflict is a conflict within the mental world of a person, representing a collision of its oppositely directed motives (needs, interests, values, goals, ideals).

Intrapersonal conflict has some features that are important to consider when identifying it. These features are:

Unusual from the point of view of the conflict structure. There are no subjects of conflict interaction represented by individuals or groups of people.

Specificity of forms of occurrence and manifestation. Such a conflict occurs in the form of difficult experiences. It is accompanied by specific conditions: fear, depression, stress. Often intrapersonal conflict results in neurosis.

Latency. Intrapersonal conflict is not always easy to detect. Often a person himself does not realize that he is in a state of conflict. Moreover, sometimes he may hide his state of conflict under a euphoric mood or behind vigorous activity.

Basic psychological concepts of intrapersonal conflicts

The problem of intrapersonal conflict in the views of Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)

According to 3. Freud, man is conflictual by nature. From birth, two opposing instincts struggle in him, determining his behavior. Such instincts are: eros (sexual instinct, instinct of life and self-preservation) and thanatos (instinct of death, aggression, destruction and destruction). Intrapersonal conflict is a consequence of the eternal struggle between eros and thanatos. This struggle, according to Z. Freud, manifests itself in the ambivalence of human feelings, in their inconsistency. The ambivalence of feelings is enhanced by the inconsistency of social existence and reaches a state of conflict, which manifests itself in neurosis.

The conflict nature of man is most fully and specifically represented by 3. Freud in his views on the structure of personality. According to Freud, the inner world of a person includes three instances: It (Id), “I” (Ego) and Super-Ego.

It is a primary, innate authority, initially irrational and subordinate to the principle of pleasure. It manifests itself in unconscious desires and drives, which manifest themselves in unconscious impulses and reactions.

“I” is a rational authority based on the principle of reality. The id “I” brings irrational, unconscious impulses into conformity with the requirements of real reality, that is, the requirements of the reality principle.

The super-ego is a “censorship” authority based on the principle of reality and represented by social norms and values, the requirements that society places on the individual.

The main internal contradictions of the personality are between the Id and the Super-Ego, which are regulated and resolved by the “I”. If the “I” was unable to resolve the contradiction between the Id and the Super-Ego, then deep experiences arise in the conscious instance that characterize an intrapersonal conflict.

Freud in his theory not only reveals the causes of intrapersonal conflicts, but also reveals the mechanisms of defense against them. He considers the main mechanism of such protection to be sublimation, that is, the transformation of a person’s sexual energy into other types of his activity, including his creativity. In addition, Freud also identifies such defense mechanisms as: projection, rationalization, repression, regression, etc.

Alfred Adler's inferiority complex theory (1870-1937)

According to the views of A. Adler, the formation of a person’s character occurs in the first five years of a person’s life. During this period, he experiences the influence of unfavorable factors, which give rise to an inferiority complex in him. Subsequently, this complex has a significant impact on the behavior of the individual, his activity, way of thinking, etc. This determines the intrapersonal conflict.

Adler explains not only the mechanisms of formation of intrapersonal conflicts, but also reveals ways to resolve such conflicts (compensation for the inferiority complex). He identifies two such paths. Firstly, this is the development of “social feeling”, social interest. A developed “social sense” ultimately manifests itself in interesting work, normal interpersonal relationships, etc. But a person can also develop a so-called “underdeveloped social sense,” which has various negative forms of manifestation: crime, alcoholism, drug addiction, etc. n. Secondly, stimulation of one’s own abilities, achieving superiority over others. Compensation for an inferiority complex by stimulating one’s own abilities can have three forms of manifestation: a) adequate compensation when superiority coincides with the content of social interests (sports, music, creativity, etc.); b) overcompensation, when there is an exaggerated development of one of the abilities that has a pronounced egoistic character (hoarding, dexterity, etc.); c) imaginary compensation, when the inferiority complex is compensated by illness, prevailing circumstances or other factors beyond the control of the subject.

The Teachings of Extraversion and Introversion by Carl Jung (1875-1961)

K. Jung, in explaining intrapersonal conflicts, proceeds from the recognition of the conflictual nature of the personal attitude itself. In his book “Psychological Types,” published in 1921, he gave a personality typology that is still considered one of the most convincing and is widely used in both theoretical and practical psychology. K. Jung's typology of personality is based on four bases (personal functions): thinking, sensations, feelings and intuition. Each of the mental functions, according to C. Jung, can manifest itself in two directions - extraversion and introversion. Based on all this, he identifies eight personality types, the so-called psychosociotypes: extroverted thinker; introverted thinker; extroverted sensation; introverted sensation; emotional-extrovert; emotional-introvert; intuitive-extravert; intuitive-introvert.

The main thing in Jung's typology is orientation - extraversion or introversion. It is this that determines the personal attitude, which ultimately manifests itself in intrapersonal conflict.

Thus, an extrovert is initially focused on the outside world. He builds his inner world in accordance with the outer one. An introvert is initially self-absorbed. For him, the most important thing is the world of internal experiences, and not the external world with its rules and laws. Obviously, an extrovert is more susceptible to intrapersonal conflicts than an introvert. (

The concept of "existential dichotomy" by Erich Fromm (1900-1980)

In explaining intrapersonal conflicts, E. Fromm tried to overcome biological interpretations of personality and put forward the concept of “existential dichotomy.” In accordance with this concept, the causes of intrapersonal conflicts lie in the dichotomous nature of the person himself, which manifests itself in his existential problems: the problem of life and death; the limitations of human life; the enormous potential of man and the limited conditions for their implementation, etc.

More specifically, E. Fromm implements philosophical approaches in explaining intrapersonal conflicts in the theories of biophilia (love of life) and necrophilia (love of death).

Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development (1902-1994)

The essence of Erikson's theory is that he put forward and substantiated the idea of ​​stages of psychosocial development of the individual, at each of which each person experiences his own crisis. But at each age stage, either a favorable overcoming of a crisis situation occurs, or an unfavorable one. In the first case, there is a positive development of the individual, his confident transition to the next stage of life with good prerequisites for successfully overcoming it. In the second case, the person moves into a new stage of his life with the problems (complexes) of the previous stage. All this creates unfavorable preconditions for the development of the individual and causes internal experiences in her. The stages of psychosocial development of personality according to E. Erikson are given in table. 8.1.

Motivational conflicts according to Kurt Lewin (1890-1947)

The classification of internal conflicts presented in Table 1 is of great practical value for identifying intrapersonal conflicts and determining ways to resolve them. 8.2.

In addition to the psychological concepts of intrapersonal conflicts outlined above, there are others developed within the framework of cognitive and humanistic psychology.

Forms of manifestation and methods of resolving intrapersonal conflicts

To resolve intrapersonal conflicts, it is important, firstly, to establish the fact of such a conflict, and secondly, to determine the type of conflict and its cause; and third, apply the appropriate resolution method. It should be remembered that often in order to resolve intrapersonal conflicts, their carriers need psychological and sometimes psychotherapeutic help.

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Table 8.1 Stages of psychosocial development according to E. Erikson

			Positive resolution
	0-1 year newborn	Trust - mistrust
	1-3 years early childhood	Autonomy - shame, doubt	Autonomy
	3-6 years “playing age”	Initiative - feeling of guilt	Initiative
	6-12 years old junior school age	Hard work - feelings of inferiority	Hard work
	12-19 years old middle and high school age	Self-identity - role confusion	Identity
	20-25 years early maturity	Intimacy - isolation	Proximity
	26-64 years old average maturity	Generation, creativity-stagnation	Creation
	65 years old - death late maturity	Integration is despair	Integration, wisdom

Table 8.2

Classification of intrapersonal conflicts according to K. Lewin

Conflict type		Resolution model
Equivalent (approximation-approximation)	Selecting two or more equally attractive and mutually exclusive objects	Compromise
Vital (avoidance-avoidance)	Choosing between two equally unattractive objects	Compromise
Ambivalent (approach-avoidance)	Choosing an object that simultaneously has attractive and unattractive sides	Reconciliation

Below in the table. 8.3 we present the forms of manifestation of internal conflicts, which are designed to help detect them in oneself or other people, and in table. 8.4 - ways to resolve them.

Table 8.3 Forms of manifestation of internal conflicts

Table 8.4 Ways to resolve intrapersonal conflicts

Resolution method
Compromise		Make a choice in favor of an option and begin to implement it
		Avoiding problem solving
Reorientation		Changing claims regarding the object that caused the internal problem
Sublimation		Transfer of mental energy to other areas of activity - creative activities, sports, music, etc.
Idealization		Indulging in daydreams, fantasies, escaping reality
crowding out		Suppression of feelings, aspirations, desires
Correction		Changing the self-concept towards achieving an adequate self-image
Form of manifestation	Symptoms
Neurasthenia	Intolerance to strong irritants; depressed mood; decreased performance; poor sleep; headache
	Showy fun; the expression of joy is inadequate to the situation; "Laughter through tears"
Regression	Appeal to primitive forms of behavior; avoidance of responsibility
Projection	Attributing negative qualities to another; criticism of others, often unfounded
Nomadism	Frequent changes in place of residence, place of work, marital status
Rationalism	Self-justification of one's actions

Sources for in-depth study of the topic

1. Antsupov A. Ya., Shipilov A. I. Conflictology. - M.: UNITY, 1999. - Section. V.

2. Grishina N.V. Psychology of conflict. - St. Petersburg: Peter, 2000.

3. Conflictology / Ed. A. S. Karmina - St. Petersburg: Lan, 1999. - Chapter 4.

4. Kozyrev G.I. Introduction to conflictology. - M.: Vlados, 1999. - P.144-146.

5. Psychology. Textbook / Ed. A. A. Krylova. - M.: Prospekt, 1998. - Ch. 18; 19; 22.

6. Horney K. Your internal conflicts. - St. Petersburg: Lan, 1997.

Control questions

1. Give a definition of intrapersonal conflict.

2. List the features of intrapersonal conflicts.

3. List the basic psychological concepts of intrapersonal conflicts.

4. What is the main essence of 3. Freud’s views on the nature of intrapersonal conflicts?

5. What is the main essence of A. Adler’s inferiority complex?

6. What is the main essence of C. Jung’s teachings about the nature of intrapersonal conflicts?

7. What is the main essence of E. Fromm’s “existential dichotomy”?

8. List the main types of intrapersonal conflicts according to K. Lewin.

9. List the forms of manifestation of intrapersonal conflicts.

10. List the main ways to resolve intrapersonal conflicts.

Lesson 8.1. Practical lesson on the topic: “Personality self-assessment using testing”

Purpose of the lesson. Consolidating students' knowledge on the main problems of the theory of intrapersonal conflicts, developing personality self-assessment skills and developing the ability to analyze the test results obtained and develop a program for self-improvement and self-correction of behavior.

Procedure for conducting the lesson

Preparatory stage. In one or two weeks, students receive instruction to conduct a lesson in the form of testing for the purpose of personality self-assessment. They are told the topic and goals of the lesson. Instructions are given for independent study of literature and understanding of basic concepts: “Intrapersonal conflict”, “Types of intrapersonal conflicts”, “Forms of manifestation of intrapersonal conflicts”, “Ways to resolve intrapersonal conflicts”.

During the lesson. Students are encouraged to take the tests below. The teacher organizes a discussion of test results and provides methodological assistance in developing a program of self-improvement and self-correction of behavior.

Test 8.1. Self-assessment of character according to the method of R. Cattell

Appointment of the test. Identify individual personality traits.

This test is a modified simplified version of the 16-factor questionnaire developed by the American psychologist Raymond Bernard Cattell and designed to identify generalized initial personality traits - factors that are part of its structure and are the causes of human reactions that appear on the surface.

It is easier to process and interpret, although it does not give the same idea of ​​personality as the classic version (16 RE).

Instructions. You are asked to choose one of the answer options for each question (“a”, “b”, “c”).

When reading the questions, do not think about them for a long time, try to imagine the whole situation as a whole and assess how typical it is for you.

In all questions, the answer “b” corresponds to cases in which you cannot answer clearly, or when both opposite options are equally acceptable to you. However, try not to overuse such answers.

Remember that there are no “wrong” or “right” answers - everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

1. I could easily live alone, away from people: a) yes; b) sometimes; c) no.

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2. Sometimes I don’t feel well for no particular reason: a) yes; b) I don’t know; c) no.

3. When reading about an incident, I am interested in all the details:

a) yes; b) sometimes; c) rarely.

4. When friends make fun of me, I usually laugh with them and don’t get offended at all:

5. Something that distracts my attention to some extent:

a) annoys me;

b) something in between;

c) doesn’t bother me at all.

6. I like a friend:

a) whose interests are of a business and practical nature; b) I don’t know;

c) who has deeply thought-out views on life.

7. What was more interesting to me at the enterprise:

a) work with machines and mechanisms and participate in the main production;

b) difficult to say;

c) talk with people, engage in social work.

8. I always have enough energy when I need it: a) yes; b) difficult to say; c) no.

9. I would rather reveal my innermost thoughts to: a) my good friends;

b) I don’t know;

c) in your diary.

10. I can calmly listen to other people express ideas that are contrary to those in which I firmly believe:

b) find it difficult to answer;

c) incorrect.

11. I am so careful and practical that fewer surprises happen to me than to other people:

12. I think that I tell lies less often than most people: a) true; b) find it difficult to answer; c) incorrect.

13. I would rather work:

a) in an institution where I would have to lead people and be among them;

b) find it difficult to answer;

c) an architect.

14. What I do doesn’t work for me:

a) rarely; b) something in between; c) often.

15. Even if they tell me that my ideas are not feasible, this does not stop me:

a) true; b) I don’t know; c) incorrect.

16. I try not to laugh at jokes as loudly as most people:

a) true; b) I don’t know; c) incorrect.

17. Efforts expended on making plans:

a) never superfluous;

b) difficult to say;

c) not worth it.

18. I prefer to work with refined, sophisticated people than with frank and straightforward people:

a) yes; b) I don’t know; c) no.

19. I am pleased to do a person a favor by agreeing to schedule a meeting with him at a time convenient for him, even if it is a little inconvenient for me:

a) yes; b) sometimes; c) no.

20. When I go to bed, I:

a) I fall asleep quickly;

b) something in between;

c) I have difficulty falling asleep.

21. Working in a store, I would like to:

a) decorate shop windows;

b) I don’t know;

c) be a cashier.

22. I prefer:

a) issues concerning me should be decided by myself;

b) find it difficult to answer;

c) I consult with my friends.

23. Neat, demanding people do not get along with me: a) true; b) sometimes; c) incorrect.

24. If people think badly of me, then I don’t try to convince them, but continue to act in my own way:

a) yes; b) difficult to say; c) no.

25. It happens that I don’t want to talk to anyone all morning: a) often; b) sometimes; c) never.

26. I get bored:

a) often; b) sometimes; c) never.

27. I think that even the most dramatic events in a year will no longer leave any traces in my soul:

a) yes; b) difficult to say; c) incorrect.

28. I think it is more interesting to be:

a) a botanist and work with plants;

b) I don’t know;

c) an insurance agent.

29. When the issue that needs to be solved is very difficult and requires a lot of effort from me, I try:

a) take up another issue;

b) find it difficult to answer;

c) I’ll try to solve this issue again.

30. At night I have fantastic or ridiculous dreams: a) yes; b) sometimes; c) no.

This test cannot give a complete picture of your character and does not claim to be absolutely reliable.

However, it allows you to recognize some traits: sociability, emotional stability, conscientiousness, discipline.

Data processing

Answer “b” is always worth 1 point.

From 1st to 7th and from 23rd to 30th questions:

“a” - brings 0 points;

“c” - 2 points.

From 8th to 22nd questions:

“a” - 2 points;

“c” - 0 points.

Key to the test and evaluation of results

1. The sum of points received when answering questions 1, 7, 9, 13, 19, 25 indicates your sociability or isolation.

If the total score does not exceed 8, then you most likely do not really need the company of others and, as they say, are not sociable by nature. It is quite possible that you are skeptical of people you know and judge others quite harshly. And this, as you know, limits the circle of close friends with whom it is easy to be frank.

If the total score is above 8, then you are sociable and good-natured, open and cordial. You are characterized by naturalness and ease in behavior, attentiveness and kindness towards people. You are not very afraid of criticism. When choosing a specialty, you should pay attention to this; you can be recommended a profession of the “person-to-person” type, which requires constant communication with people and collective action.

2. The sum of points obtained by answering questions 2,5,8,14,20,

26 speaks of your emotional stability or instability.

If the total is less than 7, you are most likely susceptible to feelings and prone to rapid mood swings. High ratings are characteristic of people who are self-possessed, calm, and whose view of things is more realistic.

3. If the amount obtained by answering questions 3, 6,15, 18, 21,

27, less than 7, you are a practical and conscientious person, you easily follow generally accepted norms and rules of behavior. Although, perhaps, you are characterized by some limitations, “groundedness,” and excessive attention to detail.

With high grades, you have a rich imagination and, as a result, high creative potential. Try not to “have your head in the clouds.” This often leads to everyday failures.

4 If the total score for questions 4, 10, 16, 22, 24 and 28 exceeds 5, you are likely to be prudent and cautious. You are quite insightful and know how to evaluate events and people around you intelligently and “without sentimentality.”

With low scores, it is quite possible that you are characterized by straightforwardness, naturalness and spontaneity in behavior.

5. If the sum of the answers to questions 11, 12, 17, 23, 29 and 30 is less than 6, it seems that you are not always doing well with self-control and discipline. Typically, such people, as psychologists say, are characterized by internal conflict.

If you score above 6 points, you are probably a purposeful person, have good control over your emotions and behavior, and it is not difficult for you to adhere to generally accepted rules.

Test 8.2. Personal self-esteem (1st option)

Instructions. Each person has certain ideas about the ideal and the most valuable personality traits. People focus on these qualities in the process of self-education. What qualities do you value most in people? These ideas are different for different people, and therefore the results of self-education do not coincide. What ideas about the ideal do you have? The following task, which is performed in two stages, will help you understand this.

1. Divide a sheet of paper into four equal parts, label each part with Roman numerals I, II, III, IV.

2. Four sets of words are given that characterize the positive qualities of people. In each set of qualities, you must highlight those that are most significant and valuable to you personally, which you prefer over others. What qualities these are and how many - everyone decides for themselves.

3 Read the words of the first set of qualities carefully. Write down the qualities that are most valuable to you in a column along with their numbers on the left. Now proceed to the second set of qualities - and so on until the very end. As a result, you should end up with four sets of ideal qualities.

In order to create conditions for an equal understanding of the qualities by all participants in the psychological examination, we provide an interpretation of these qualities.

A set of personality traits

I. Interpersonal relationships, communication.

1. Politeness - compliance with the rules of decency, courtesy.

2. Caring - thoughts or actions aimed at the well-being of people; care, care.

3. Sincerity - expression of genuine feelings, truthfulness, frankness.

4. Collectivism - the ability to support common work, common interests, a collective principle.

5. Responsiveness - willingness to respond to other people's needs.

6. Cordiality - a cordial, affectionate attitude combined with hospitality, with a willingness to serve in some way.

7. Sympathy - a responsive, sympathetic attitude towards people’s experiences and misfortune.

8. Tactfulness is a sense of proportion, which creates the ability to behave in society without hurting people’s dignity.

9. Tolerance - the ability to treat other people’s opinions, character, and habits without hostility.

10. Sensitivity - responsiveness, empathy, the ability to easily understand people.

11. Benevolence - a desire for good to people, a willingness to contribute to their well-being.

12. Friendliness - the ability to express a feeling of personal affection.

13. Charm - the ability to charm, attract to oneself.

14. Sociability - the ability to easily enter into communication.

15. Commitment - loyalty to the word, duty, promise.

16. Responsibility is a necessity, an obligation to be responsible for one’s actions and actions.

17. Frankness - openness, accessibility to people.

18. Justice is an objective assessment of people in accordance with the truth.

19. Compatibility - the ability to combine one’s efforts with the activity of others in solving common problems.

20. Demandingness - rigor, expecting people to fulfill their responsibilities and duty.

II. Behavior.

1. Activity - a manifestation of an interested attitude towards the world around us and oneself, towards the affairs of the team, energetic actions and actions.

2. Pride - self-esteem.

3. Good nature - gentleness of character, disposition towards people.

4. Decency - honesty, inability to commit vile and antisocial acts.

5. Courage - the ability to make and implement your decisions without fear.

6. Firmness - the ability to insist on one’s own, not to give in to pressure, steadfastness, stability.

7. Confidence - belief in the correctness of actions, absence of hesitation or doubt.

8. Honesty - directness, sincerity in relationships and actions.

9. Energy - determination, activity of actions and actions.

Intrapersonal conflicts 197

10. Enthusiasm - strong inspiration, elation.

11. Integrity - honest performance of one's duties.

12. Initiative - the desire for new forms of activity.

13. Intelligence - high culture, education, erudition.

14. Perseverance - persistence in achieving goals.

15. Decisiveness - inflexibility, firmness in actions, the ability to quickly make decisions, overcoming internal hesitations.

16. Integrity - the ability to adhere to firm principles, beliefs, views on things and events.

17. Self-criticism - the desire to evaluate one’s behavior, the ability to reveal one’s mistakes and shortcomings.

18. Independence - the ability to carry out actions without outside help, on your own.

19. Balance - even, calm character and behavior.

20. Determination - having a clear goal, the desire to achieve it.

III. Activity.

1. Thoughtfulness - deep insight into the essence of the matter.

2. Efficiency - knowledge of the matter, enterprise, intelligence.

3. Mastery - high art in any field.

4. Understanding - the ability to understand the meaning, intelligence.

5. Speed ​​- swiftness of actions and actions, speed.

6. Composure - concentration, smartness.

7. Accuracy - the ability to act as specified, in accordance with the model.

8. Diligence - love of work, socially useful activities that require effort.

9. Passion - the ability to devote yourself entirely to any task.

10. Perseverance - diligence in something that requires a long time and patience.

11. Accuracy - maintaining order in everything, thoroughness of work, diligence.

12. Attention - concentration on the activity being performed.

13. Foresight - insight, the ability to foresee consequences, predict the future.

14. Discipline - the habit of discipline, consciousness of duty to society.

15. Diligence - diligence, good completion of tasks.

16. Curiosity - an inquisitive mind, a tendency to acquire new knowledge.

17. Resourcefulness - the ability to quickly find a way out of difficult situations.

18. Consistency - the ability to complete tasks, actions in a strict order, logically, harmoniously.

19. Efficiency - the ability to work hard and productively.

20. Scrupulousness - accuracy to the smallest detail, special care.

IV. Experiences, feelings.

1. Vigor - a feeling of fullness of strength, activity, energy.

2. Fearlessness - absence of fear, courage.

3. Cheerfulness - a carefree and joyful state.

4. Sincerity - sincere friendliness, disposition towards people.

5. Mercy - willingness to help, to forgive out of compassion and philanthropy.

6. Tenderness - a manifestation of love, affection.

7. Love of freedom - love and desire for freedom and independence.

8. Cordiality - sincerity, sincerity in relationships.

9. Passion - the ability to give yourself entirely to a hobby.

10. Shyness - the ability to experience a feeling of shame.

11. Excitement is a measure of experience, mental anxiety.

12. Enthusiasm - a great upsurge of feelings, delight, admiration.

13. Compassion - a tendency to feel pity and compassion.

14. Cheerfulness - a constant feeling of joy, absence of despondency.

15. Affectionateness is the ability to love many and deeply.

16. Optimism - a cheerful attitude, belief in success.

17. Restraint - the ability to restrain yourself from showing feelings.

18. Satisfaction - a feeling of pleasure from the fulfillment of desires.

19. Composure - the ability to remain calm and self-possessed.

20. Sensitivity - ease of experiencing experiences, feelings, increased susceptibility to external influences.

Carefully consider the personality traits you wrote out from the first set, and find among them those that you actually possess. Circle the numbers next to them. Now move on to the second set of qualities, then to the third and fourth.

Treatment

1. Calculate how many real qualities you have found in yourself (P).

2. Count the number of ideal qualities you wrote down (I), and then calculate their percentage.

Compare the results with the rating scale (see Table 8.5).

Test 8.2. Personal self-esteem (2nd option)

Instructions

1. Carefully read a set of 20 personality traits: accuracy, cheerfulness, kindness, perseverance, intelligence, truthfulness, integrity, independence, modesty, sociability, pride, conscientiousness, indifference, laziness, arrogance, cowardice, greed, suspicion, selfishness, impudence.

2. In the 1st column “ideal”, under number (rank) 1, write down the quality from the above that you value most in people, under number 2, the quality that you value a little less, etc., in descending order significance. Under number 13, indicate the quality - shortcoming - from the above, which you could most easily forgive people (after all, as you know, there are no ideal people, everyone has shortcomings, but some you can forgive, and some you cannot ), at number 14 is the flaw that is more difficult to forgive, etc., at number 20 is the most disgusting, from your point of view, quality of people.

3. In the 2nd column “I”, under number (rank) 1, write down the quality from the above that is most developed for you personally (regardless of whether it is an advantage or a disadvantage), under number 2 - the quality that is developed in there are a little less of you, etc., in descending order, under the last numbers are those qualities that you have less developed or absent.

Data processing

1. Calculate using the formula

where is the rank (number) of quality in the 1st column; is the rank of 1st quality in the 2nd column; is the difference in the ranks of 1st quality in columns.

Let's count everything, there should be 20 of them. Let's assume that the first word in the 1st column - in the 2nd column this word is in 5th place, that is, = 5, then we calculate (1 - 5)2 using the formula = 16 and so on for all words in order (n is the number of analyzed qualities, n = 20).

2. Then we add the results, multiply by 6, divide the product by == 7980 and, finally, subtract the quotient from 1, that is, we find the rank correlation coefficient:

Evaluation and interpretation of results

1. Calculate using the formula:

where: - rank (number) of the i-th quality in the 1st column;

Rank (number) of the i"-th quality in the 2nd column; Vi is the difference in ranks of the i"-th quantity in the columns. Count them all - there should be 20.

2. We compare the resulting rank correlation coefficient with the scale (Table 8.5).

Personal self-esteem can be adequate, overestimated or underestimated.

Adequate self-esteem corresponds to two positions (levels) of the psychodiagnostic scale: “average”, “above average”.

Table 8.5 Psychodiagnostic scale for test 8.2

Female Level Gender	Inappropriately low		Below the average		Above average	High	Inappropriately high
1st option (P)
2nd option (P)

With adequate self-esteem, the subject of social interaction correctly (really) correlates his capabilities and abilities, is quite critical of himself, sets realistic goals for himself, and is able to predict the adequate attitude of others to the results of his activities. The behavior of such a subject is basically non-conflict, and in a conflict he behaves constructively. He is weakly susceptible to intrapersonal conflicts.

With self-esteem “high level”, “above average”: a person deservedly values ​​and respects himself, is satisfied with himself, and has a developed sense of self-esteem.

With self-esteem “average level”: a person respects himself, but knows his weaknesses and strives for self-improvement and self-development.

Inflated self-esteem corresponds to the level of “inadequately high” on the psychodiagnostic scale.

With inflated self-esteem, a person develops a misconception about himself, an idealized image of his personality. He overestimates his capabilities, is always focused on success, and ignores failures.

His perception of reality is often emotional; he regards failure or failure as a consequence of someone else’s mistakes or unfavorable circumstances.

He perceives fair criticism addressed to him as nit-picking.

Such a person is conflicted, prone to exaggerating the image of a conflict situation, and behaves actively in a conflict, betting on victory.

Low self-esteem corresponds to three positions (levels) on the psychodiagnostic scale: “inadequately low”, “low” and “below average”.

With low self-esteem, a person has an inferiority complex. He is unsure of himself, timid, passive. Such people are characterized by excessive demands on themselves and even greater demands on others. They are boring, whiners, and see only shortcomings in themselves and others.

Such people are conflictual. The causes of conflicts often arise from their intolerance towards other people.

Test 8.3. “Self-assessment of the level of aspirations using the Schwarzlander method”

Instructions

1. Think about how many “pluses” you can draw in 10 seconds, and indicate this number of supposed “pluses” in form 1; put a number next to the UE (level of claims). Then, at the experimenter’s “Start” signal, start drawing “plus signs” in each square of form 1, and at the “Stop” signal, stop drawing. Count the number of “pluses” you actually drew and indicate in form 1 next to the UD (level of achievement).

2. Taking into account your previous experience and the range of your capabilities (can you draw more, faster “plus signs”), indicate in form 2 your level of aspirations and then, at the experimenter’s “Start” and “Stop” signals, repeat the experiment, calculate and write it down on the form 2 is your achievement level.

3. Repeat this experimental procedure for the third and then for the fourth form. (See experimenter notes below.)

Data processing

1. Calculate your level of aspiration using the formula:

where UP (2) is the level of claims from form 2; UD (1) - level of achievement from form 1, etc. in accordance with the form numbers indicated in brackets.

2. Compare the obtained values ​​of the level of aspirations with the psychodiagnostic scale.

Level of aspirations (methodology developed by Schwartzlander)

Psychodiagnostic scale for test 8.3

The level of aspiration (L A) is 5 and above - unrealistically high; UP = 3 ■*- 4.99 - high; UP = 1 * - 2.99 - moderate; UP = -1.49 *■ 0.99 - low, UP = -1.50 and below - unrealistically low.

The level of aspiration characterizes the degree of difficulty of the goals that a person strives for and the achievement of which seems attractive and possible to him. The level of aspirations is influenced by the dynamics of successes and failures along the path of life, the dynamics of success in specific activities. There are adequate levels of aspirations (a person sets goals that he can actually achieve, which correspond to his abilities and capabilities) and inadequate: inflated (claims for what he cannot achieve) or underestimated (chooses easy and simplified goals, although he is capable of more). The more adequate a person’s self-esteem, the more adequate the level of aspirations.

Individuals with an unrealistically inflated level of aspirations, overestimating their abilities and capabilities, take on tasks that are beyond their capabilities and often fail. People with a high but realistic level of aspirations constantly strive to improve their achievements, to improve themselves, to solve more and more complex problems, to achieve difficult goals. Individuals with a moderate level of aspiration consistently and successfully solve a range of tasks of average complexity, without seeking to improve their achievements and abilities and move on to more difficult goals. Persons with a low or unrealistically low level of aspirations choose goals that are too easy and simple, which can be explained by: a) low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, an “inferiority complex,” or b) “social cunning,” when, along with high self-esteem and self-respect , a person avoids social activity and difficult, responsible tasks and goals.

Note for the experimenter: 1) the dimensions of the tables are 1x3cm, the dimensions of the small squares in the tables are 1 x 1 cm; 2) the duration of the 1st, 2nd, 4th experiments is 10 seconds, and in the 3rd experiment - 8 seconds to artificially create a situation of failure.

Test 8.4. Self-esteem of inferiority complex

The “founding fathers” of psychoanalysis were the first to describe and define inferiority complexes. With this name they designated emotionally charged beliefs and life principles, manifested in impulsive, inexplicable actions that complicate normal life, limit the possibilities of personal development and prevent one from experiencing a feeling of joy. An inferiority complex makes a person feel inferior to others; for example, it can cause him to refuse any competition: exams, professional competitions, business, etc. This complex is generated by a lack of confidence in one’s merits or abilities. “I won’t even try, I’ll still lose!” - the victims of this complex convince themselves.

Complexes develop, as a rule, in people who, by nature or upbringing, tend to be harsh judges. They pass harsh judgment on themselves (“for being short,” “fat legs,” etc.), but they also constantly condemn others. From a psychological point of view, this or that self-esteem is most directly related to your attitude towards the world around you. He who loves this world loves himself. This means that if we always criticize others, then we will be ruthless towards ourselves. Ruthlessness will become a habit and then become a complex. Such a person is practically never satisfied with himself. Everyone is gnawing at something, everyone has their own complexes. We compare ourselves with others all the time to make sure that we are worth something.

How is it going with you? To do this, answer the test questions.

Instructions. Read each statement, choose the answer option that is most fair for you, write down the number of the statement and the number of points for the selected answer option (the number of points is indicated next to the answer option).

1. People don't understand me

a) often (0)

b) rarely (3)

c) this doesn’t happen (5)

2. I feel “out of place”

a) rarely (5)

c) very often (0)

3. I'm an optimist

b) only in exceptional cases (3)

4. Being happy about anything is a) stupidity(0)

b) helps to get through difficult moments (3)

c) something worth learning (5)

5. I would like to have the same abilities as others

b) at times (3)

c) no, I have higher abilities (5)

6. I have too many flaws

a) it's true (0)

b) this is not my opinion (3)

c) not true! (5)

7. Life is wonderful!

a) this is really true (5),

b) this is too general a statement (3)

c) not at all (0)

8. I feel unwanted a) often (0)

b) from time to time (3) c) rarely (5)

9. My actions are incomprehensible to others

a) often (0)

b) sometimes (3)

c) rarely (5)

10. People tell me I don't live up to expectations.

a) often (0)

b) sometimes (3)

c) very rarely (5)

11. I have a lot of advantages

b) it all depends on the situation (3)

12. I am a pessimist a) yes (0)

b) in exceptional cases (3)

13. Like any thinking person, I analyze my behavior

a) often (0)

b) sometimes (3)

c) rarely (5)

14. Life is a sad thing

a) in general, yes (0)

c) this is not true (5)

15. “Laughter is health”

a)banal statement(0)

b) this is worth remembering in difficult situations (3)

c) not at all (5)

16. People underestimate me

a) alas, this is so (0)

b) I don’t attach much importance to it (3)

c) not at all (5)

17. I judge others too harshly

a) often (0)

b) sometimes(3)

c) rarely (5)

18. Success always comes after a streak of failures

a) I believe in this, although I know that this is a belief in miracles (5)

b) maybe so, but there is no scientific evidence for this (3)

c) I don’t believe in it because it is a belief in miracles (0)

19. I act aggressively

a) often (0)

b) sometimes (3)

c) rarely (5)

20. Sometimes I’m lonely

a) very rarely (5)

b) sometimes (3)

c) too often (0)

21. People are unkind

a) majority (0)

b) some (3)

c) not at all (5)

22. I don’t believe that you can achieve what you really want.

a) because I don’t know who managed it (0)

b) sometimes it works (3)

c) this is not so, I believe! (5)

23. The demands that life placed on me exceeded my capabilities.

a) often (0)

b) sometimes (3)

c) rarely (5)

24. Probably every person is dissatisfied with his appearance a) I think so (0)

b) maybe sometimes (3) c) I don’t think so (5)

25. When I do or say something, sometimes people don’t understand me.

a) often (0)

b) sometimes (3)

c) very rarely (5)

26. I love people

b) the statement is too general (3)

27. There are times when I doubt my abilities.

a) often (0)

b) sometimes (3)

c) rarely (5)

28. I'm happy with myself

a) often (5)

b) sometimes (3)

c) rarely (0)

29. I think that you should be more critical of yourself than of other people.

b) don't know (3)

30. I believe that I have enough strength to realize my life plans.

b) it varies (3)

Evaluation of results

Attention: if you do not score the same number of points (for example, 0 and 0.3 and 3, 5 and 5) in the following pairs: 3 and 18, 9 and 25, 12 and 22, then the overall test result can be considered random and unreliable.

0-40 points - unfortunately, you have a complex. You evaluate yourself negatively, you are “fixated” on your weaknesses, shortcomings, and mistakes. You constantly fight with yourself, and this only aggravates both your complexes and the situation itself, and further complicates your relationships with people. Try to think about yourself differently: concentrate on what is strong, warm, good and joyful in you. You will see that very soon your attitude towards yourself and the world around you will change.

41-80 points. You have every opportunity to cope with your complexes yourself. In general, they don’t really interfere with your life. At times you are afraid to analyze yourself and your actions. Remember: hiding your head in the sand is completely futile, it won’t lead to any good and can only defuse the situation for a while. You can't run away from yourself, be brave!

81-130 points - you are not without complexes, like any normal person, but you cope well with your problems. Objectively evaluate your behavior and the actions of people. Hold your destiny in your hands. You feel easy and free in companies, and people feel just as easy in your company. Advice: keep it up!

131-150 points - you think that you have no complexes at all. Don't fool yourself, this simply doesn't happen. The world you have invented and your own image are far from reality. Self-deception and inflated self-esteem are dangerous. Try to look at yourself from the outside. Complexes are meant to be dealt with or... to be loved. You have enough for both. Otherwise, your complex of narcissism will develop into arrogance, arrogance, will cause people around you to dislike you, and will significantly ruin your life.

Test 8.5. Determination of temperament according to G. Eysenck's method

Instructions. You are asked 57 questions. Answer only “yes” or “no” to each question. Don't waste time discussing the questions, there can be no good or bad answers as this is not a test of intelligence.

1. Do you often experience a craving for new experiences, to be distracted, to experience strong sensations?

2. Do you often feel that you need friends who can understand, encourage, and sympathize with you?

3. Do you consider yourself a carefree person?

4. Is it very difficult for you to give up your intentions?

5. Do you think about your affairs slowly and prefer to wait before acting?

6. Do you always keep your promises, even if it is unprofitable for you?

7. Do you often have ups and downs in your mood?

8. Do you usually act and speak quickly?

9. Have you ever had the feeling that you are unhappy, although there was no serious reason for this?

10. Is it true that “on a dare” you can decide on anything?

11. Do you feel embarrassed when you want to meet someone of the opposite sex who you like?

12. Does it ever happen that when you get angry, you lose your temper?

13. Does it often happen that you act thoughtlessly, on the spur of the moment?

14. Do you often worry about the idea that you shouldn't have done or said something?

15. Do you prefer reading books to meeting people?

16. Is it true that you are easily offended?

17. Do you often like to be in company?

18. Do you ever have thoughts that you would not like to share with others?

19. Is it true that sometimes you are so full of energy that everything in your hands burns, and sometimes you feel tired?

20. Do you try to limit your circle of acquaintances to a small number of your closest friends?

21. Do you dream a lot?

22. When people shout at you, do you respond in kind?

23. Do you consider all your habits to be good?

24. Do you often have the feeling that you are to blame for something?

25. Are you sometimes able to give free rein to your feelings and have carefree fun in a cheerful company?

26. Can we say that your nerves are often stretched to the limit?

27. Are you reputed to be a lively and cheerful person?

28. After something is done, do you often mentally return to it and think that you could have done it better?

29. Do you feel restless when in a large company?

30. Does it happen that you spread rumors?

31. Does it happen that you can’t sleep because different thoughts come into your head?

32. If you want to know something, do you prefer to find it in a book or ask people?

33. Do you have palpitations?

34. Do you like work that requires concentration?

35. Do you have tremors?

36. Do you always tell the truth?

37. Do you find it unpleasant to be in a company where they make fun of each other?

38. Are you irritable?

39. Do you like work that requires speed?

40. Is it true that you are often haunted by thoughts about various troubles and horrors that could happen, although everything ended well?

41. Is it true that you are leisurely in your movements and somewhat slow?

42. Have you ever been late for work or a meeting with someone?

43. Do you often have nightmares?

44. Is it true that you love to talk so much that you don’t miss any opportunity to talk with a new person?

45. Do you have any pain?

46. ​​Would you be upset if you couldn’t see your friends for a long time?

47. Are you a nervous person?

48. Are there anyone among your friends that you clearly don’t like?

49. Are you a confident person?

50. Are you easily offended by criticism of your shortcomings or your work?

51. Do you find it difficult to really enjoy events that involve a lot of people?

52. Does the feeling that you are somehow worse than others bother you?

53. Would you be able to bring some life into a boring company?

54. Does it happen that you talk about things that you don’t understand at all?

55. Are you worried about your health?

56. Do you like to make fun of others?

57. Do you suffer from insomnia?

Emotional stability

Extraversion - is the sum of the answers “yes” in questions: 1, 3, 8, 10, 13,17,22,25,27,39,44,46,49,53,56 and the answers “no” in questions: 5, 15,20,29,32,34,37,41,51.

If the sum of points is in the range from 0 to 10, then you are an introvert, closed within your own inner world.

If 15-24, then you are an extrovert, sociable, facing the outside world.

If 11-14, then you are an ambivert, you communicate when you need it.

Neuroticism - is the number of “yes” answers to the questions: 2, 4, 7, 9,11, 14,16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 31, 33, 35, 38, 40, 43, 45, 47 , 50, 52, 55, 57.

If the number of “yes” answers is in the range from 0 to 10, then it means emotional stability.

If 11-16, then - emotional sensitivity. If 17-22, then individual signs of nervous system instability appear.

If 23-24, then - neuroticism, bordering on pathology, a breakdown, neurosis is possible.

False - find the sum of the points for “yes” answers in questions: 6,24,36 and “no” answers in questions: 12, 18, 30, 42, 48, 54.

If a score of 0-3 is the norm for human lies, the answers can be trusted.

If 4-5, then it is doubtful.

If 6-9, then the answers are unreliable.

If the answers can be trusted, a graph is built based on the data received.

Sanguine extrovert: stable personality, social, outward-oriented, sociable, sometimes talkative, carefree, cheerful, loves leadership, has many friends, cheerful.

Choleric extrovert: unstable personality, not touchy, excited, unrestrained, aggressive, impulsive, optimistic, active, but performance and mood are unstable and cyclical. In a situation of stress - a tendency to hysterical-psychopathic reactions.

Phlegmatic introvert: stable personality, slow, calm, passive, calm, cautious, thoughtful, peaceful, reserved, reliable, calm in relationships, able to withstand long-term adversity without disruptions to health and mood.

Melancholic introvert: unstable personality, anxious, pessimistic, outwardly reserved, but at heart very emotional, sensitive, upset and worried, prone to anxiety, depression, sadness; in tense situations, disruption or deterioration in activity is possible (“rabbit stress”).

Lesson 8.2. Training game “Intrapersonal conflicts”

Purpose of the lesson. Show students the mechanisms of involving a person in a state of intrapersonal conflict, familiarize them with ways to prevent conflict and overcome it, teach them methods of stress resistance.

Game participants:

1. Official.

2. Chief of the official.

3. Member of the public.

4. Petitioner.

5. Representative of the local mafia.

6. An official's wife.

* See: Kozyrev G.I. Introduction to conflictology. - M: Vlados, 1999. - P. 144-146.

7. Conscience of an official.

8. Group of Experts.

From 7-8 to 30 or more people can take part in the game.

Game situation

1. The municipal department for the lease and use of land is headed by a certain official. The department received an order from the relevant city authorities prohibiting the use of children's, sports, playgrounds and other areas for any other purposes (for example, development, organizing parking lots, etc.). However, the official’s immediate superior interprets the received order in his own way and demands that the official give appropriate instructions for the liquidation of a certain playground. The official begins to carry out the instructions of the boss.

2. At the same time, visitors come to the official’s reception: a representative of the public who demands compliance with the law and restoration of the playground; applicant offering a bribe to rent cleared land

Scheme of the training game (vacated) territory; a representative of the local mafia, threatening an official with violence if the sought-after territory is not transferred to his people.

3. Having finished the working day, the official goes home and the following happens to him: a dialogue with his conscience about what happened to him during the day; conversation with his wife, who is dissatisfied with his constant delays at work (“children without a father; wife without a husband”). In turn, the official is irritated by the fact that he is not understood even at home, in his family.

Game procedure

1. Distribute all the listed roles among students (the role of an official is distributed only at the request of the applicant). Appoint a panel of experts.

2. The game begins with a conversation between the boss and the official. The further order of the game is described in the “Game Situation”.

3. During the game, the participants change roles, and players who are not yet directly involved are involved.

4. Experts’ statements and summing up the results of the training game. Caution (for the game director). The training game “Intrapersonal conflict” involves high emotional and psychological stress for players, especially those playing the role of an official. During the game, it is necessary to carefully monitor the psychological state of the “official”, and if necessary, stop the game and change roles. At the end of the game, it is necessary to carry out “rehabilitation” of all “officials”: ​​make a comprehensive analysis of the situation and ways out of them; familiarize all participants in the game with ways to protect against frustration.

Control test

Choose the correct answer for each of the 10 questions. 1. Intrapersonal conflict is:

a) a person’s deep emotional experiences of his failures;

b) a state of anxiety caused by an upcoming difficult situation;

c) a clash of oppositely directed personal motives;

d) a collision of oppositely directed behavioral characteristics of an individual;

e) internal fluctuations of the individual facing the choice of means to achieve a specific goal.

2. Which scientist developed the doctrine of the struggle between eros and thanatos, as the natural basis of intrapersonal conflicts?

a) 3. Freud;

b) A. Adler;

c) K. Jung;

d) E. Fromm; d)K. Levin.

3. Which scientist developed the doctrine of extraversion and introversion as the objective nature of intrapersonal conflicts?

a) 3. Freud;

b) A. Adler;

c) K. Jung;

d) E. Fromm;

d) K. Levin.

4. Which scientist developed the “Inferiority Complex Theory”?

a) 3. Freud;

b) A. Adler;

c) K. Jung;

d) E. Fromm;

d) K. Levin.

5. Which scientist developed the theory of “existential dichotomy”?

a) 3. Freud;

b) A. Adler;

c) K. Jung;

d) E. Fromm;

d) K. Levin.

6. Which scientist developed the theory of “motivational conflicts”?

a) 3. Freud;

b) A. Adler;

c) K. Jung;

d) E. Fromm; d)K. Levin.

7. An equivalent intrapersonal conflict is:

e) a conflict associated with a combination of inclinations towards extraversion and introversion equally in the inner world of the individual.

8. Ambivalent intrapersonal conflict is:

a) a conflict associated with a choice between two equally unattractive objects;

b) conflict associated with the choice of 2 or more equally attractive and mutually exclusive objects;

c) conflict associated with the choice of an object in which there are simultaneously attractive and unattractive sides;

d) conflict associated with a situation when the expected result of solving a problem by an individual does not receive approval in society, team or family;

9. Vital intrapersonal conflict is:

a) a conflict associated with a choice between two equally unattractive objects;

b) conflict associated with the choice of 2 or more equally attractive and mutually exclusive objects;

c) conflict associated with the choice of an object in which there are simultaneously attractive and unattractive sides;

d) conflict associated with a situation when the expected result of solving a problem by an individual does not receive approval in society, team or family;

e) a conflict associated with a combination of inclinations towards extraversion and introversion equally in the inner world of the individual.

10. The forms of manifestation of intrapersonal conflicts are:

a) neurasthenia, euphoria, sublimation, idealization, nomadism, rationalization;

b) neurasthenia, euphoria, regression, projection, nomadism, rationalization;

c) neurasthenia, euphoria, idealization, projection, rationalization, repression;

d) neurasthenia, euphoria, regression, projection, nomadism, reorientation;

e) compromise, withdrawal, reorientation, sublimation, idealization, repression.

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Some people face a serious psychological problem due to which a big dispute occurs within the individual. In other words, intrapersonal conflict is the contradictions that engulf the individual. He is in great doubt and cannot make a single decision, since two opposing points of view have the same “weight.” It is worth noting that this psychological problem can lead both to serious personal growth, if a person connects all his resources and mobilizes, and to big problems.

How does this happen in life? For example, a person finds himself in a difficult situation and cannot make a final choice between real feelings and a marriage of convenience. Cannot make a final choice between work and family. There are a lot of such situations, but if you “immerse yourself in them headlong” and attach great importance to them, there is a risk of coming to an intrapersonal conflict. Due to the lack of harmony between the outside world and one’s own self, there is also a risk of developing more serious psychological disorders. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze approaches to understanding intrapersonal conflict.

Basis and features of intrapersonal conflict

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As mentioned above, the basis of intrapersonal conflict is, first of all, disagreements experienced within the individual. This conflict flares up inside a person, and he, as a rule, does not take it out into the world around him. The individual finds himself in a situation where he needs to rethink his values ​​and, if this can be done, he acquires new useful qualities and a vision of the world. However, in reality it is not always possible to cope with the situation, which leads to even greater isolation and asociality. The characteristics of intrapersonal conflict are such that they cause stress, frustration and anxiety.

Anxiety manifests itself even before a certain situation unfolds. It, in turn, is divided into situational and personal. Situational anxiety develops due to external circumstances, but if a person does not have time to cope with it, it immediately turns into personal anxiety. Remember how in childhood we were scolded for failing and threatened with punishment. When a child receives a negative assessment, situational anxiety occurs (external circumstances have turned out badly), after which he remembers his parents and the expected consequences. Thus, internal anxiety begins to appear. At these moments, internal dialogues begin that can develop into something more, for example, into intrapersonal conflicts or frustration.

Frustration is a state in which a person experiences great disappointment. It arises in cases where it is not possible to solve a complex problem for subjective or objective reasons. The same child cannot avoid scandal at home; this leads him to oppression and frustration. In adults, this condition occurs most often when setting a goal and failing to achieve it. When an individual throws all his strength and resources into solving a problem, but it turns out to be unsolvable at a given moment in time. As a result, a person experiences great disappointment, powerlessness, and his desires do not coincide with his capabilities.

Further, if the individual fails to cope with the developing internal negativity, stress may occur, which covers even more topics related to life in general and one’s position in it. Let's return to the topic of goal setting. Let's say an individual set a goal to earn much more money, and, as usually happens, overestimated his capabilities. However, he wants to have an expensive car, new housing and beautiful things. As a result, all forces are mobilized and after some time he realizes that he can’t achieve anything and gives up his idea. A small conflict flares up within the individual, the person begins to blame himself, and then the entire world around him, for injustice. You can often come across statements that life is unpleasant, only bad people are lucky, there is deception and corruption all around. Although most often these problems do not directly affect the individual and have only a minor impact on his life.

What is intrapersonal conflict?

To finally understand the concept of intrapersonal conflict, imagine a state of complete doubt. It is so strong, and the two opposing opinions are so reasonable, that you find yourself in a kind of stupor. And if we add to this the unsolvability of the problem on our own and the impossibility of help from the outside world, the person plunges even more into an intrapersonal conflict. Interestingly, the confrontation is developing according to several scenarios.

• Latency. In such a state, a person does not even notice that he is in a confrontational state. As a rule, he has a lot to do, he is in a bustle, which is why he has no opportunity to be alone with himself. Under the guise of vigorous activity or euphoria, the plight of the individual is hidden;
• Unusual structure. In this state, intrapersonal conflict is not based on other subjects;
• Specificity. A person, among other things, experiences stress, fear, and depression.

The famous psychologist in the Western world, Sigmund Freud, believed that the essence of human nature lies in constant mental contradiction. This tension is often associated with the foundations of social culture and the desire of the individual. As a small example, here are the rules of conduct. For example, we are told: “You need to be quiet in the library.” But maybe we want to discuss an interesting topic with someone in full voice or even stand on our head in the middle of the room. There are a huge number of such situations and most of them are small, which we can handle.

The German psychologist Lewin believed that a strong intrapersonal conflict develops in cases where two opposing opinions of the same magnitude collide within a person. And the greater their significance and vital importance, the greater the risk of developing confrontation within oneself. Rogers also presented an interesting point of view. How often do we set ideals for ourselves that are impossible to achieve? Moreover, sometimes our judgments are so subjective that we ourselves deny the possibility of achievement. As a result, understanding the ideal self that we strive for, and the real discrepancy leads to big problems and powerlessness.

Varieties and types

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If we talk about the main types of intrapersonal conflicts, then it is worth understanding that we are dealing with a subjective opinion. As a result, there are no precise concepts, since the authors have different views on the problem. However, the basis is there. As a rule, intrapersonal conflicts flare up in the social-consumer and value-motivational spheres.

Valuable and motivational sphere:

• Moral. When a person does not find a balance between his preferences and morality. Between personal attitude and duty to society;
• Motivation. It often develops in situations where in order to achieve a goal you need to sacrifice your safety and comfort. As a result, the question arises between calmness and the desire to possess something.
• Adaptation. Conflict arises when a person finds it difficult to adapt to a new reality. For example, a change in social circle or a new place of work;
• Unrealization. The desired does not coincide with the actual;
• Inadequate self-esteem. Sometimes a person underestimates his abilities too much or, on the contrary, overestimates them, as a result of which intrapersonal conflicts with reality arise.

Classification of intrapersonal conflicts in the social and consumer sphere:

• Conflict of social norms. Often a person denies social principles because they do not coincide with his inner vision;
• Conflict of needs. Often, due to a limited budget, we cannot choose the right product and whims win. As a result, there are a lot of loans, the meaning of life is lost, there is no joy from ownership;
• Conflict between social norm and need.

There are also types of intrapersonal conflicts. Lewin (German psychologist) proposed 4 main types: frustrating, vital, equivalent and ambivalent.

• The ambivalent type of confrontation develops in cases where the result or some actions equally repel and seduce. A contradiction arises;
• Equivalent. When an individual is given a goal to complete several tasks of equal importance. To get out of a conflict, you need to find a compromise;
• A frustrating type develops when a person prohibits himself from performing certain actions because they diverge from generally accepted moral principles and society;
• Vital. When a person has to make decisions that he does not like, but they are necessary.

We can distinguish the main forms of manifestation of intrapersonal conflicts:

• Euphoria - unjustified joy, tears are often interspersed with laughter;
• Neurasthenia – migraine, insomnia, high depression, low performance;
• Projection – criticism, negativity in relationships with people;
• Regression is primitivism in behavior, refusal of responsibility.
• Nomadism is a constant desire for change;
• Rationalism is self-justification.

Causes

As a rule, the causes of intrapersonal conflict, its emergence and development, are determined by three main factors:

• External, due to the behavior of the individual within a certain group;
• Internal, hidden in the contradictions of the personality itself;
• External, conditioned by the status as a whole within society.

When a person is faced with external factors caused by confrontation with society as a whole, they are usually based on personal status. That is, a person does not like his position in society or how he is treated.

Intrapersonal conflicts within a certain group may be different, however, there is a common basis - the inability to satisfy one’s needs. For example:

• Lack of the desired object. I want a cup of coffee, but they don’t sell that kind of coffee in this city, and so on;
• Physical obstacles. A person is in a closed room and cannot get out on his own;
• Social circumstances;
• Biological barriers.

However, it cannot be said that one of the reasons is separate from the other. In fact, everything is very interconnected and one reason smoothly flows into another. For example, the development of internal conflict is most often caused by confrontation with a certain group or society as a whole. Contradictions cannot just appear (out of emptiness). Do not forget that the basis of confrontation is based on two opposing opinions, which must be important. Otherwise, this will not be a problem for the individual, and he will pass them by introspection.

It is important that the opinions are of equal strength, otherwise the individual will simply choose the strongest. When they are the same size, confrontation arises, and stormy dialogues develop inside. What are the contradictions based on?

• Confrontation of social roles. The modern world requires a person to perform many tasks, and time, as a rule, is not enough. For example, an adult is given the task of picking up a child from kindergarten and fulfilling an urgent work order;
• The confrontation between ordinary need and social norm. As you know, the human stomach works and sometimes it needs to remove gases. But what to do when there is a meeting or you are in decent company;
• Conflict between religion and social values. A striking example is military operations. A true Christian observes the commandment “thou shalt not kill,” but when something threatens his family or homeland, a big dilemma also arises;
• Mismatch between interests, needs and motives. In other words, a person himself does not understand what he needs from life in general.

Often, intrapersonal conflict develops due to working relationships within an enterprise, since most of the time a person has to work and is in conditions created by the external environment. If a person could choose where and how to work, many problems simply would not arise. The main reasons for the development of conflict within a certain group:

• The struggle of values ​​between one’s views on life, foundations and professional tasks. For example, if a person is pure in soul and is used to speaking honestly, it will be difficult or even impossible for him to engage in advertising and sales;
• Great responsibility and excessive tasks that are not comparable to the person’s capabilities.
• The desire for creativity and routine work at the enterprise;
• Two incompatible tasks;
• Strict work requirements and poor working conditions;
• Poor mechanism for achieving the goal, vagueness, ambiguity and at the same time a specific task.
• Morality and profit.

Forms and methods of solving the problem

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Analyzing the forms of manifestation and methods of resolving intrapersonal conflicts is an important task for every person. We have already talked about forms, now we can move on to the topic of resolving the situation. The point is, if a person does not find a positive solution for himself, this will lead to a protracted confrontation and, as a consequence, to a suicidal situation, a nervous breakdown, or the development of psychological disorders. That is why it is important to know how to act in the current conditions. Moreover, if you calmly figure it out, it’s not so difficult.

To resolve intrapersonal conflict as quickly as possible, you should pay attention to the following points:

• Care. Try to let go of the difficult situation and switch to another topic. Sometimes a problem cannot be solved with existing skills and capabilities. Therefore, it is worth accepting;
• Compromise. If there is a choice, try to come to a compromise and immediately begin to act;
• Sublimation. In cases where you cannot solve a problem, switch to another activity that brings you pleasure. For example, a hobby, sports or creativity where you can achieve results. Later you will return to the unresolved problem with renewed vigor. In some cases, this works as a prevention of the development of intrapersonal conflicts;
• Reorientation. Change your attitude towards a person or object;
• Idealization. If reality is very bad, turn on some music and try to daydream. Break away from reality. Watch a comedy or movie that you like best;
• Correction. Try to be objective about your Self;
• Crowding out. If desires are unrealistic, try to suppress them or push them into the future, switching to more achievable ones.

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It is interesting that the consequences of intrapersonal conflict are of the same “nature” as the confrontation itself. That is, it can have both a positive effect on a person and a negative one. In any case, the result will depend only on the individual person.

Negative consequences

• A dead end in personal development, degradation is possible;
• A constant state of stress, anxiety, suspiciousness, dependence on the opinions of other people and circumstances;
• Disorganization in physiological and psychological terms;
• Activity decreases;
• Manifestation of polar qualities - submissiveness or aggressiveness. Inferiority, uncertainty in one's actions often develops, and the meaning of life is lost.

In society, behavior manifests itself as follows:

• Inappropriate reaction to other people;
• Isolation from other group members;
• Blaming others for your failures.

If a person does not resolve the causes of intrapersonal conflict in time, there is a risk of developing psychological deviations of a neurotic nature. This is why it is important to contact psychologists at any age if you are unable to resolve the situation.

Positive consequences

• Will and character are strengthened in struggle. People who often overcome themselves become strong and are able to manage their internal resources;
• Self-improvement, self-development and self-affirmation;
• Intrapersonal intelligence develops;
• The human psyche is more resistant to the influence of external stimuli. After several victories, a person is no longer afraid to take on a challenge and boldly goes into battle, improving his Self.

As you can see, these types of problems challenge us, but they also contain hidden potential for growth. If you gather your courage or seek the help of specialists, they will help you eliminate the causes of intrapersonal conflict and make you stronger.

Intrapersonal conflict- This is a difficult to resolve contradiction that occurs within the individual. An intrapersonal psychological conflict is experienced by an individual as a serious problem of psychological content that requires prompt resolution. This type of confrontation can simultaneously speed up the process of self-development, forcing the individual to mobilize his own potential, and harm the individual, slowing down the process of self-knowledge and driving self-affirmation into a dead end. Intrapersonal conflict arises in conditions when interests, drives, and needs of equal importance and opposite in direction collide in the human mind.

The concept of intrapersonal conflict

Internal confrontation of a person is a confrontation that arises within the psyche of a person, which is a clash of contradictory, often oppositely directed motives.

This type of confrontation has a number of specific features. Features of intrapersonal conflict:

• unusual structure of the conflict (intrapersonal confrontation does not have subjects of interaction represented by individuals or groups of people);
• latency, which consists in the difficulty of identifying internal contradiction, since often the individual does not realize that he is in a state of confrontation, he can also hide his own state under a mask or active activity;
• specificity of forms of manifestation and course, since internal confrontation occurs in the form of complex experiences and is accompanied by: depressive states, stress.

The problem of intrapersonal conflict has been most actively developed in Western psychological science. Its scientific basis is inextricably linked with the founder of psychoanalytic theory, S. Freud.

All approaches and concepts of intrapersonal conflict are determined by the specific understanding of the content and essence of personality. Therefore, starting from the understandings of personality that have developed in different psychological schools, we can identify several main approaches to the consideration of internal confrontation.

Freud provided evidence of the biopsychological and biosocial content of intrapersonal confrontation. At its core, the human psyche is contradictory. Her work is associated with constant tension and overcoming the conflict that arises between biological desires and sociocultural foundations, between unconscious contents and consciousness. It is precisely in contradiction and constant confrontation that the whole essence of intrapersonal confrontation lies, according to Freud’s concept.

The described concept was further developed in the works of its adherents: K. Jung and K. Horney.

German psychologist K. Lewin put forward his own concept of intrapersonal conflict called “field theory,” according to which the inner world of an individual simultaneously falls under the influence of polarly directed forces. A person has to choose from them. Both such forces can be positive or negative, and one of them can be negative and the other positive. K. Levin considered the main conditions for the emergence of conflict to be parity and equal importance of such forces for the individual.

K. Rogers believed that the emergence of internal conflict is due to the discrepancy between the subject’s self-image and his understanding of the ideal “I”. He was convinced that such a discrepancy could provoke serious mental disorders.

The concept of intrapersonal confrontation, developed by A. Maslow, is very popular. He argued that the structure is based on a hierarchy of needs, the highest of which is the need for. Hence, the main reason for the emergence of intrapersonal conflicts lies in the gap between the desire for self-realization and the achieved result.

Among the Soviet psychologists who made a significant contribution to the development of theories of confrontation, one can highlight the concepts of intrapersonal conflict by A. Luria, V. Merlin, F. Vasilyuk and A. Leontiev.

Luria considered intrapersonal confrontation as a collision of two oppositely directed, but equal in strength, tendencies. V. Merlin - as a consequence of dissatisfaction with deep, actual personal motives and relationships. F. Vasilyuk - as a confrontation between two internal motives, reflected in the consciousness of an individual’s personality as independent opposing values.

The problem of intrapersonal conflict was considered by Leontyev as a completely normal phenomenon. He believed that internal confrontation is inherent in the personality structure. Every personality is contradictory in its structure. Often, the resolution of such contradictions occurs in the simplest variations and does not lead to the emergence of an intrapersonal conflict. Sometimes conflict resolution goes beyond the simplest forms, becoming the main thing. The consequence of this is intrapersonal confrontation. He believed that internal conflict is the result of a struggle between individual motivational courses ranked in the hierarchy.

A. Adler considered the basis for the emergence of internal conflicts to be an “inferiority complex” that arises in childhood under the pressure of an unfavorable social environment. In addition, Adler also identified the main methods for resolving internal confrontation.

E. Fromm, explaining intrapersonal confrontation, proposed the theory of “existential dichotomy.” His concept stated that the causes of internal conflicts lie in the dichotomous nature of the individual, which is revealed in the problems of existence: the problem of the limitations of human life, life and death, etc.

E. Erikson in his own concept of the stages of psychosocial personality formation, putting forward the idea that each age stage is marked by a favorable or unfavorable overcoming of a crisis event.

With a successful exit, positive personal development occurs, its transition to the next life period with useful prerequisites for its favorable overcoming. If there is an unsuccessful exit from a crisis situation, the individual moves into a new period of his own life with the complexes of the previous stage. Erikson believed that it is practically impossible to go through all stages of development safely, therefore each individual develops the prerequisites for the emergence of intrapersonal confrontation.

Causes of intrapersonal conflict

Intrapersonal psychological conflict has three types of causes that provoke its occurrence:

• internal, that is, reasons hidden in the contradictions of the individual;
• external factors determined by the status of the individual in society;
• external factors determined by the status of the individual in a certain social group.

All of these types of reasons are interrelated, and their differentiation is considered rather arbitrary. For example, internal factors that cause confrontation are the result of the individual’s interaction with the group and society, and do not appear out of nowhere.

The internal conditions for the emergence of intrapersonal confrontation are rooted in the opposition of various motives of the individual, in the inconsistency of its internal structure. A person is more susceptible to internal conflicts when his inner world is complex, his feelings of value and the ability to self-analysis are developed.

Intrapersonal conflict arises in the presence of the following contradictions:

• between social norm and need;
• mismatch of needs, motives, interests;
• confrontation of social roles (intrapersonal conflict example: it is necessary to fulfill an urgent order at work and at the same time the child should be taken to training);
• the contradiction of sociocultural values ​​and foundations, for example, it is necessary to combine the duty of defending the Motherland during war and the Christian commandment “thou shalt not kill.”

For a conflict to arise within a person, these contradictions must have a deep meaning for the individual, otherwise he will not attach significance to them. In addition, different aspects of contradictions must be equal in terms of the intensity of their own impact on the individual. Otherwise, an individual will choose the greater and the lesser of two goods—of “two evils.” In this case, internal confrontation will not arise.

External factors that provoke the emergence of intrapersonal confrontation are determined by: personal status in the group, organization and society.

The reasons determined by the position of an individual in a certain group are quite diverse, but they are united by the impossibility of satisfying various important motives and needs that have significance and deep meaning for the individual in a particular situation. From here we can distinguish four variations of situations that provoke the emergence of intrapersonal conflict:

• physical obstacles that prevent the satisfaction of basic needs (intrapersonal conflict example: a prisoner whose cell does not allow free movement);
• the absence of an object that is needed to satisfy a felt need (for example, a person dreams of a cup of coffee in a foreign city, but it’s too early and all the cafeterias are closed);
• biological barriers (individuals with physical defects or mental retardation, in whom the obstacle is nested in the human body itself);
• social circumstances are the main root cause of most intrapersonal conflicts.

At the organizational level, the reasons that provoke the manifestation of intrapersonal conflict can be represented by the following types of contradictions:

• between excessive responsibility and limited rights for its implementation (the person was transferred to a leadership position, the functions were expanded, but the rights remained the same);
• between poor working conditions and strict job requirements;
• between two incompatible tasks or tasks;
• between the strictly established framework of the task and the vaguely prescribed mechanism for its implementation;
• between the requirements of the profession, traditions, norms established in the company and individual needs or values;
• between the desire for creative self-realization, self-affirmation, career and the potential opportunities for achieving this within the organization;
• confrontation caused by contradictory social roles;
• between the desire for profit and moral values.

External factors determined by personal status in society are associated with discrepancies that arise at the level of the social macrosystem and lie in the nature of the social system, the structure of society, and political and economic life.

Types of intrapersonal conflicts

K. Levin proposed a classification of internal confrontation by type. He identified 4 types, namely equivalent (first type), vital (second), ambivalent (third) and frustrating (fourth).

Equivalent type– confrontation arises when a subject needs to perform two or more functions that are significant to him. Here, the usual model for resolving a contradiction will be a compromise, that is, partial substitution.

A vital type of conflict is observed when a subject has to make decisions that are equally unattractive to him.

Ambivalent type– a clash occurs when similar actions and results attract and repel in equal measure.

Frustrating type. Features of an intrapersonal conflict of a frustrating type are disapproval by society, divergence from accepted norms and foundations, the desired result and, accordingly, the actions necessary to achieve what is desired.

In addition to the above systematization, there is a classification, the basis of which is the value-motivational sphere of the individual.

A motivational conflict occurs when two equally positive tendencies and unconscious aspirations come into conflict. An example of this type of confrontation is “Buridan’s donkey.”

Moral contradiction or normative conflict arises from discrepancies between aspirations and duty, personal attachments and moral attitudes.

The collision of an individual’s desires with reality, which blocks their satisfaction, provokes the emergence of a conflict of unfulfilled desires. For example, it appears when a subject, due to physical imperfection, cannot fulfill his desire.

Role intrapersonal conflict is anxiety caused by the inability to simultaneously “play” several roles. It also occurs as a result of discrepancies in understanding the requirements for the implementation of one role by an individual.

An adaptation conflict is characterized by the presence of two meanings: in a broad sense, it is a contradiction caused by an imbalance between the individual and the surrounding reality; in a narrow sense, it is a collision caused by a violation of the social or professional adaptation process.

The conflict of inadequate self-esteem arises as a result of the discrepancy between personal aspirations and assessment of one’s own potential.

Resolving intrapersonal conflict

According to the beliefs of A. Adler, the development of an individual’s character occurs before the age of five. At this stage, the baby feels the impact of many unfavorable factors that give rise to an inferiority complex. In later life, this complex reveals a significant influence on personality and intrapersonal conflict.

Adler described not only the mechanisms that explain the origin and manifestation of intrapersonal conflict, but also revealed ways to overcome such internal contradictions (compensation for an inferiority complex). He identified two such methods. The first is to develop social feeling and interest. Because ultimately, a developed social sense manifests itself in the professional sphere and adequate interpersonal relationships. An individual may also develop an “underdeveloped” social feeling, which has various negative forms of intrapersonal conflict: alcoholism, crime, etc. The second is to stimulate one’s own potential, achieving superiority over the environment. It can have the following forms of manifestation: adequate compensation (coincidence of the content of social interests with superiority), overcompensation (hypertrophied development of one particular ability) and imaginary compensation (illness, prevailing circumstances or other factors beyond the control of the individual compensate for the inferiority complex).

M. Deutsche, the founder of the motivational approach to interpersonal conflict, identified ways to overcome intrapersonal confrontation, starting from the specifics of their “spheres of reality”, to which he attributed:

• an objective situation of confrontation, which is the foundation of contradiction;
• conflict behavior, which is a way of interaction between subjects of conflict confrontation that arises when realizing a conflict situation.

Ways to overcome internal confrontation can be open or latent.

Open paths require:

• individual decision making;
• cessation of doubts;
• fixation on solving the problem that has arisen.

Latent forms of intrapersonal conflict include:

• simulation, torment, ;
• sublimation (transition of mental energy to other areas of functioning);
• compensation (replenishment of what was lost by acquiring other goals and, accordingly, results);
• escape from reality (fantasizing, daydreaming);
• nomadism (change of professional sphere, place of residence);
• rationalization (self-justification using logical conclusions, targeted selection of arguments);
• idealization (separation from reality, abstraction);
• regression (suppression of desires, recourse to primitive behavioral forms, avoidance of responsibility);
• euphoria (feigned joy, joyful state);
• differentiation (mental separation of thoughts from the author);
• projection (the desire to free oneself from negative qualities by attributing them to another).

Analyzing personality and intrapersonal conflict, understanding the psychological problems of the emergence and overcoming of conflicts is necessary for the further successful development of communication skills, competent resolution of situations of confrontation in interpersonal interaction and group communication.

Consequences of intrapersonal conflicts

It is believed that intrapersonal conflict is an inseparable element in the formation of the individual’s psyche. Therefore, the consequences of internal confrontations can have a positive aspect (that is, be productive) for the individual as well as a negative one (that is, destroy personal structures).

A confrontation is considered positive if it has the maximum development of opposing structures and is characterized by minimal personal costs for its resolution. One of the tools for harmonizing personal development is constructively overcome intrapersonal confrontation. The subject is able to recognize his personality only by resolving internal confrontation and intrapersonal conflicts.

Intrapersonal confrontation can help develop adequate, which, in turn, contributes to personal self-realization and self-knowledge.

Internal conflicts that aggravate splitting of personality, turn into crises, or contribute to the formation of reactions of a neurotic nature are considered destructive or negative.

Acute internal confrontations often lead to the destruction of existing interpersonal interactions at work or family relationships. As a rule, they become causes of increased anxiety, restlessness, and anxiety during communicative interaction. Long-term intrapersonal confrontation hides a threat to the effectiveness of activities.

In addition, intrapersonal confrontations are characterized by a tendency to develop into neurotic conflicts. Anxieties inherent in conflicts can transform into a source of illness if they begin to occupy a central place in the system of personal relationships.

Introduction

Concept and types of intrapersonal conflicts

Basic psychological concepts of intrapersonal conflicts

Forms of manifestation and methods of resolving intrapersonal conflicts

Conclusion

Bibliography

Introduction

Conflicts occupy a special place in human life and society. Managing them in an organization is one of the most important areas in a manager’s activity. Success in solving complex conflict problems and the overall success of his management activities and the creation of a healthy socio-psychological climate in the organization depend on his conflict management competence.

Conflict is a phenomenon familiar to every person, especially to the head of an organization. Translated from Latin, conflictus literally means collision. The science that studies conflicts (conflictology) appeared in the mid-20th century, but the phenomenon of conflict itself has existed as long as humans have lived on Earth. Almost no ancient thinker avoided the topic of conflicts. In ancient Chinese philosophy, reflections on conflict can be found in Confucius, Sun Tzu and other thinkers. In ancient Greek philosophy, the conflictological ideas of Heraclitus, Democritus, Plato, Aristotle and many others deserve attention. The topic of conflicts did not lose its relevance in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, in the era of Modern Times and the Age of Enlightenment. The conflict was the focus of thinkers and scientists in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The idea that conflicts are an eternal companion of human life was very well expressed by one of the modern researchers of this problem, Charles Lixon: “If there are no conflicts in your life, check if you have a pulse.”

Conflicts involving humans can be classified as social and intrapersonal.

Social conflicts: interpersonal, between an individual and a group, between small, medium and large social groups, international conflicts.

Intrapersonal conflicts: between “I want” and “I don’t want”; “I can” and “I can’t”; “I want” and “I can’t”; “I want” and “need”; “need” and “don’t need”; “need” and “can’t”.

Intrapersonal conflict is one of the most complex psychological conflicts that plays out in a person’s inner world. It is difficult to imagine a person who would not be subject to intrapersonal conflicts. Moreover, a person constantly faces such conflicts. Intrapersonal conflicts of a constructive nature are necessary moments in personality development. But destructive intrapersonal conflicts pose a serious danger to the individual, from difficult experiences that cause stress to the extreme form of their resolution - suicide. Therefore, it is important for every person to know the essence of intrapersonal conflicts, their causes and methods of resolution.

In this test we will consider one of the types of intrapersonal conflict: I need - I can’t.

.Concept and types of intrapersonal conflicts

intrapersonal conflict

Intrapersonal conflict is a conflict within the mental world of a person, representing a collision of its oppositely directed motives (needs, interests, values, goals, ideals).

Most theoretical concepts present one or more types of intrapersonal conflicts. In psychoanalysis, conflicts between the needs of the individual, as well as between needs and social norms, occupy a central place. In interactionism, role conflicts are analyzed. However, in real life there are many other intrapersonal conflicts. In order to build their unified typology, a basis is needed according to which this variety of internal conflicts can be combined into a system. This basis is the value-motivational sphere of the individual. This most important sphere of the human psyche is associated with his internal conflict, since it reflects the various connections and relationships of the individual with the outside world.

Based on this, the following main structures of the individual’s inner world that come into conflict are identified.

Motives that reflect the aspirations of an individual at various levels (needs, interests, desires, drives, etc.). They can be expressed by the concept “I want” (“I want”).

Values ​​that embody social norms and, thanks to this, act as standards of what is proper. We mean personal values, that is, those accepted by the individual, as well as those that are not accepted by him, but due to their social or other significance, the individual is forced to follow them. Therefore, they are designated as “must” (“I must”).

Self-esteem, defined as self-worth for oneself, an individual’s assessment of one’s capabilities, qualities and place among other people. Being an expression of the level of aspiration of an individual, self-esteem acts as a kind of stimulator of its activity and behavior. Expressed as “can” or “cannot” (“I am”).

Depending on which aspects of the individual’s inner world enter into internal conflict, six main types of intrapersonal conflict are distinguished.

Motivational conflict. One of the frequently studied types of intrapersonal conflict, in particular in the psychoanalytic direction. Conflicts are distinguished between unconscious aspirations (Z. Freud), between the desires for possession and for security (K. Horney), between two positive tendencies - the classic “Buridan's donkey” dilemma (K. Lewin), or as a clash of different motives.

Moral conflict. In ethical teachings it is often called a moral or normative conflict (V. Bakshtanovsky, I. Arnitsane, D. Fedorina). It is considered as a conflict between desire and duty, between moral principles and personal attachments (V. Myasishchev). A. Spivakovskaya highlights the conflict between the desire to act in accordance with the desires and demands of adults or society. Sometimes it is seen as a conflict between duty and doubt about the need to follow it (F. Vasilyuk, V. Frankl).

Conflict of unfulfilled desire or inferiority complex (Yu. Yurlov). This is a conflict between desires and reality, which blocks their satisfaction. Sometimes it is interpreted as a conflict between “I want to be like them” (reference group) and the inability to realize this (A, Zakharov). Conflict can arise not only when reality blocks the realization of a desire, but also as a result of a person’s physical impossibility of fulfilling it. These are conflicts that arise due to dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, physical characteristics and abilities. This type also includes intrapersonal conflicts based on sexual pathologies (S. Kratokhvil, A. Svyadoshch, A. Kharitonov).

Role conflict is expressed in experiences associated with the inability to simultaneously fulfill several roles (inter-role intrapersonal conflict), as well as in connection with different understandings of the requirements imposed by the individual himself to perform one role (intra-role conflict). This type includes intrapersonal conflicts between two values, strategies or meanings of life.

Adaptation conflict is understood both in a broad sense, that is, as arising on the basis of an imbalance between the subject and the environment, and in a narrow sense - when the process of social or professional adaptation is disrupted. This is a conflict between the demands of reality and human capabilities - professional, physical, psychological. The discrepancy between an individual's capabilities and the requirements of the environment or activity can be considered both temporary unpreparedness and inability to fulfill the requirements.

Conflict of inadequate self-esteem. The adequacy of a person’s self-esteem depends on his criticality, self-demandingness, and attitude towards successes and failures. The discrepancy between aspirations and assessment of one’s capabilities leads to the fact that a person experiences increased anxiety, emotional breakdowns, etc. (A. Petrovsky, M. Yaroshevsky). Among the conflicts of inadequate self-esteem, there are conflicts between high self-esteem and the desire to realistically assess one’s capabilities (T. Yuferova), between low self-esteem and awareness of a person’s objective achievements, as well as between the desire to increase aspirations in order to achieve maximum success and lower aspirations in order to avoid failure (D . Heckhausen).

In addition, neurotic conflict is distinguished. It is the result of a long-lasting “simple” intrapersonal conflict.

2. Basic psychological concepts of intrapersonal conflicts

The problem of intrapersonal conflict in the views of Sigmund Freud (1856-1939).

According to 3. Freud, man is conflictual by nature. From birth, two opposing instincts struggle in him, determining his behavior. Such instincts are: eros (sexual instinct, instinct of life and self-preservation) and thanatos (instinct of death, aggression, destruction and destruction). Intrapersonal conflict is a consequence of the eternal struggle between eros and thanatos. This struggle, according to Z. Freud, manifests itself in the ambivalence of human feelings, in their inconsistency. The ambivalence of feelings is enhanced by the inconsistency of social existence and reaches a state of conflict, which manifests itself in neurosis.

The conflict nature of man is most fully and specifically represented by 3. Freud in his views on the structure of personality. According to Freud, the inner world of a person includes three instances: It (Id), “I” (Ego) and Super-Ego.

It is a primary, innate authority, initially irrational and subordinate to the principle of pleasure. It manifests itself in unconscious desires and drives, which manifest themselves in unconscious impulses and reactions.

“I” is a rational authority based on the principle of reality. The id “I” brings irrational, unconscious impulses into conformity with the requirements of real reality, that is, the requirements of the reality principle.

The super-ego is a “censorship” authority based on the principle of reality and represented by social norms and values, the requirements that society places on the individual.

The main internal contradictions of the personality are between the Id and the Super-Ego, which are regulated and resolved by the “I”. If the “I” was unable to resolve the contradiction between the Id and the Super-Ego, then deep experiences arise in the conscious instance that characterize an intrapersonal conflict.

Freud in his theory not only reveals the causes of intrapersonal conflicts, but also reveals the mechanisms of defense against them. He considers the main mechanism of such protection to be sublimation, that is, the transformation of a person’s sexual energy into other types of his activity, including his creativity. In addition, Freud also identifies such defense mechanisms as: projection, rationalization, repression, regression, etc.

Alfred Adler's inferiority complex theory (1870-1937)

According to the views of A. Adler, the formation of a person’s character occurs in the first five years of a person’s life. During this period, he experiences the influence of unfavorable factors, which give rise to an inferiority complex in him. Subsequently, this complex has a significant impact on the behavior of the individual, his activity, way of thinking, etc. This determines the intrapersonal conflict.

Adler explains not only the mechanisms of formation of intrapersonal conflicts, but also reveals ways to resolve such conflicts (compensation for the inferiority complex). He identifies two such paths. Firstly, this is the development of “social feeling”, social interest. A developed “social sense” ultimately manifests itself in interesting work, normal interpersonal relationships, etc. But a person can also develop a so-called “underdeveloped social sense,” which has various negative forms of manifestation: crime, alcoholism, drug addiction, etc. n. Secondly, stimulation of one’s own abilities, achieving superiority over others. Compensation for an inferiority complex by stimulating one’s own abilities can have three forms of manifestation: a) adequate compensation when superiority coincides with the content of social interests (sports, music, creativity, etc.); b) overcompensation, when there is an exaggerated development of one of the abilities that has a pronounced egoistic character (hoarding, dexterity, etc.); c) imaginary compensation, when the inferiority complex is compensated by illness, prevailing circumstances or other factors beyond the control of the subject.

The Teachings of Extraversion and Introversion by Carl Jung (1875-1961)

K. Jung, in explaining intrapersonal conflicts, proceeds from the recognition of the conflictual nature of the personal attitude itself. In his book “Psychological Types,” published in 1921, he gave a personality typology that is still considered one of the most convincing and is widely used in both theoretical and practical psychology. K. Jung's typology of personality is based on four bases (personal functions): thinking, sensations, feelings and intuition. Each of the mental functions, according to C. Jung, can manifest itself in two directions - extraversion and introversion. Based on all this, he identifies eight personality types, the so-called psychosociotypes: extroverted thinker; introverted thinker; extroverted sensation; introverted sensation; emotional-extrovert; emotional-introvert; intuitive-extravert; intuitive-introvert.

The main thing in Jung's typology is orientation - extraversion or introversion. It is this that determines the personal attitude, which ultimately manifests itself in intrapersonal conflict.

Thus, an extrovert is initially focused on the outside world. He builds his inner world in accordance with the outer one. An introvert is initially self-absorbed. For him, the most important thing is the world of internal experiences, and not the external world with its rules and laws. Obviously, an extrovert is more susceptible to intrapersonal conflicts than an introvert. (

The concept of "existential dichotomy" by Erich Fromm (1900-1980)

In explaining intrapersonal conflicts, E. Fromm tried to overcome biological interpretations of personality and put forward the concept of “existential dichotomy.” In accordance with this concept, the causes of intrapersonal conflicts lie in the dichotomous nature of the person himself, which manifests itself in his existential problems: the problem of life and death; the limitations of human life; the enormous potential of man and the limited conditions for their implementation, etc.

More specifically, E. Fromm implements philosophical approaches in explaining intrapersonal conflicts in the theories of biophilia (love of life) and necrophilia (love of death).

Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development (1902-1994)

The essence of Erikson's theory is that he put forward and substantiated the idea of ​​stages of psychosocial development of the individual, at each of which each person experiences his own crisis. But at each age stage, either a favorable overcoming of a crisis situation occurs, or an unfavorable one. In the first case, there is a positive development of the individual, his confident transition to the next stage of life with good prerequisites for successfully overcoming it. In the second case, the person moves into a new stage of his life with the problems (complexes) of the previous stage. All this creates unfavorable preconditions for the development of the individual and causes internal experiences in her. The stages of psychosocial development of personality according to E. Erikson are given in table. 8.1.

Motivational conflicts according to Kurt Lewin (1890-1947)

The classification of internal conflicts presented in Table 1 is of great practical value for identifying intrapersonal conflicts and determining ways to resolve them. 8.2.

In addition to the psychological concepts of intrapersonal conflicts outlined above, there are others developed within the framework of cognitive and humanistic psychology.

3. Forms of manifestation and methods of resolving intrapersonal conflicts

To resolve intrapersonal conflicts, it is important, firstly, to establish the fact of such a conflict, and secondly, to determine the type of conflict and its cause; and third, apply the appropriate resolution method. It should be remembered that often in order to resolve intrapersonal conflicts, their carriers need psychological and sometimes psychotherapeutic help.

Table 1. Stages of psychosocial development according to E. Erikson

Stage Age Content of the crisis Positive resolution 10-1 year old newborn Trust - distrust Trust 21-3 years early childhood Autonomy - shame, doubt Autonomy 33-6 years “age of play” Initiative - feeling of guilt Initiative 46-12 years younger school age Hard work - feeling of inferiority Hard work 512-19 years middle and high school age I - identity - confusion of roles Identity620 - 25 years early maturity Closeness - isolation Closeness 726-64 years middle maturity Generation, creativity - stagnation Creativity 865 years - death late maturity Integration - despair Integration, wisdom

Table 2.

Classification of intrapersonal conflicts according to K. Lewin

Conflict type Cause Resolution model Equivalent (approach-approach) Choice of two or more equally attractive and mutually exclusive objects Compromise Vital (avoidance-avoidance) Choice between two equally unattractive objects Compromise Ambivalent (approach-avoidance) Choice of an object that simultaneously contains attractive and unattractive sides Reconciliation

Below in Table 3 we present the forms of manifestation of internal conflicts, which are designed to help you detect them in yourself or other people, and in Table 4 - ways to resolve them.

Table 3. Forms of manifestation of internal conflicts

Form of manifestationSymptomsNeurastheniaIntolerance to strong irritants; depressed mood; decreased performance; poor sleep; headachesEuphoriaShowing fun; the expression of joy is inadequate to the situation; “laughter through tears” RegressionReturn to primitive forms of behavior; avoidance of responsibility Projection Attributing negative qualities to another; criticism of others, often unfoundedNomadismFrequent changes in place of residence, place of work, marital statusRationalismSelf-justification of one’s actions and actions

Table 4. Ways to resolve intrapersonal conflicts

Method of resolution Content of actions Compromise Make a choice in favor of an option and begin to implement it Care Avoidance of solving the problem Reorientation Change of claims regarding the object that caused the internal problem Sublimation Transfer of psychic energy to other areas of activity - creativity, sports, music, etc. Idealization Indulging in dreams, fantasies, care from reality Repression Suppression of feelings, aspirations, desires Correction Change of self-concept in the direction of achieving an adequate idea of ​​oneself

A person’s life is structured in such a way that the likelihood of circumstances threatening to disrupt the optimal process of personal development, his inner world, is great, and it’s bad if a person is not prepared for them. It is difficult to imagine a person who does not have intrapersonal conflicts. However, it is necessary to avoid destructive internal conflicts, and if they arise, then resolve them with minimal costs to health.

Knowing the causes and factors that contribute to the emergence of intrapersonal conflicts, the characteristics of their experience, it is possible to justify the conditions for their prevention.

To preserve the inner world of the individual, it is important to accept difficult life situations as a given of existence, since they encourage activity, work on oneself, and often creativity.

Of great importance is the formation of life values ​​by each person and the following of them in their deeds and actions. Life principles help to avoid many situations related to doubts about the truth of the cause that a person serves. We must try not to be a “weathervane” person.

However, constancy and loyalty to oneself in certain conditions manifest themselves as inertia, conservatism, weakness, and inability to adapt to changing requirements. If a person finds the strength to break the usual way of existence, having become convinced of its inconsistency, then the way out of the intrapersonal contradiction will be productive. You must be flexible, flexible, adaptive, be able to realistically assess the situation and, if necessary, change.

It is important, when giving in on small things, not to turn it into a system. Constant instability, denial of stable attitudes and patterns of behavior will lead to intrapersonal conflicts.

It is necessary to hope for the best development of events, never to lose hope that the life situation can always improve. An optimistic attitude towards life is an important indicator of a person’s mental health.

Do not be a slave to your desires, soberly assess your capabilities to satisfy your desires and needs.

You need to learn to manage yourself, your psyche. This especially applies to managing your emotional state.

The development of strong-willed qualities greatly contributes to the prevention of intrapersonal conflicts. It is the will, which represents the achieved level of self-regulation of one’s activities and behavior, presupposing the ability to make decisions with knowledge of the matter, that should accompany all types of human life. The role of will is great in intrapersonal conflict, where only with its help a person can overcome the difficulties of the situation.

Constantly clarify and adjust the hierarchy of roles for yourself. The desire to implement all the functions arising from a particular role, to take into account all the wishes of others will inevitably lead to the emergence of intrapersonal conflicts.

A fairly high level of personal maturity contributes to the prevention of role-related intrapersonal conflicts. It involves going beyond purely role-based behavior with its stereotyped reactions, with strict adherence to accepted standards. Genuine morality is not blind adherence to generally accepted moral norms, but the possibility of one’s own moral creativity, “trans-situational” activity” of the individual.

It is necessary to strive to ensure that a person’s assessment of his “I” corresponds to his actual “I”, that is, to ensure the adequacy of self-esteem. Low or high self-esteem is often associated with a reluctance or inability to admit something to oneself. It also happens that a person evaluates himself adequately to reality, but wants others to evaluate him differently. Such evaluative dissonance will sooner or later lead to intrapersonal conflict.

Do not accumulate problems that require resolution. Postponing the solution of problems “for later” or the “ostrich with its head in the sand” position is far from the best way to avoid difficulties, since in the end a person will be forced to make a choice, which is fraught with conflicts.

You shouldn’t take on everything at once, you shouldn’t strive to implement everything at the same time. The optimal solution is to create priorities in the programs being implemented and the tasks being performed. Complex problems are best solved piecemeal. Try not to lie. It can be argued that there are no people who would never lie to anyone. This is true. But there is always the possibility, in situations where it is impossible to tell the truth, to simply evade the answer: change the topic of conversation, remain silent, get off with a joke, etc. A lie can create intrapersonal problems, unpleasant situations in communication, which will lead to worries and actualization of feelings of guilt.

Try to have a philosophical attitude towards the vicissitudes of fate, and do not panic if luck changes you.

By resolving (overcoming) an intrapersonal conflict is meant restoring the coherence of the individual’s inner world, establishing the unity of consciousness, reducing the severity of the contradictions in life relationships, and achieving a new quality of life. Resolution of intrapersonal conflict can be constructive and destructive. When constructively overcoming intrapersonal conflict, mental balance is achieved, understanding of life deepens, and a new value consciousness arises. The resolution of intrapersonal conflict is realized through: the absence of painful conditions associated with the existing conflict; reducing the manifestations of negative psychological and socio-psychological factors of intrapersonal conflict; improving the quality and efficiency of professional activities.

Factors of constructive resolution of intrapersonal conflicts. Depending on individual characteristics, people relate to internal contradictions differently and choose their own strategies for getting out of conflict situations. Some are immersed in thoughts, others immediately begin to act, others plunge into the emotions overwhelming them. There is no single recipe for the correct attitude towards intrapersonal conflicts1. It is important that a person, being aware of his own individual characteristics, develops his own style of resolving internal contradictions and a constructive attitude towards them.

Overcoming an intrapersonal conflict depends on the deep ideological attitudes of the individual, the content of his faith, and the experience of overcoming himself.

The development of volitional qualities contributes to a person’s successful overcoming of internal conflicts. Will forms the basis of the entire system of human self-regulation. In difficult situations, the will, as a rule, brings external demands into harmony with internal desires. If the will is not developed enough, that which requires the least resistance wins, and this does not always lead to success.

The methods of conflict resolution and the time spent on this are different for people with different types of temperament. The choleric person decides everything quickly, preferring defeat to uncertainty. The melancholic person thinks for a long time, weighs, estimates, not daring to take any action. However, such a painful reflexive process does not exclude the possibility of radically changing the current situation. The properties of temperament influence the dynamic side of resolving intrapersonal contradictions: the speed of experiences, their stability, individual rhythm of flow, intensity, direction outward or inward.

The process of resolving intrapersonal contradictions is influenced by gender and age characteristics of the individual. With increasing age, intrapersonal contradictions acquire forms of resolution typical for a given individual. Periodically remembering what we have lived through, we return to critical points that once disrupted the measured flow of life, rethink them in a new way, analyze more deeply and generally the ways of resolving conflicts, overcoming what seemed insurmountable. Working on your past, analyzing your own biography is one of the ways to develop internal stability, integrity, and harmony.

There are different ways for men and women to resolve conflicts. Men are more rational; with each new intrapersonal experience, they enrich their set of means of resolving the situation. Women rejoice and suffer in a new way every time. They are more diverse in personal characteristics, and men are more diverse in role characteristics. Women have more time to update and, as it were, re-edit the accumulated experience; men are less inclined to return to what they have experienced, but they are able to get out of the conflict in a timely manner.

Overcoming intrapersonal conflict is ensured by the formation and operation of psychological defense mechanisms. Psychological defense is a normal, everyday functioning mechanism of the psyche. It is a product of ontogenetic development and learning. Developing as a means of socio-psychological adaptation, psychological defense mechanisms are designed to control emotions in cases where experience signals a person about the negative consequences of their experience and expression.

Some researchers consider psychological defense to be an unproductive means of resolving internal conflict. They believe that defense mechanisms limit the development of the individual, his “own activity.”

Conclusion

In foreign and domestic science, different understandings of intrapersonal conflict have developed. It is considered based on the understanding of personality that has developed within the framework of a certain scientific paradigm. Intrapersonal conflict is an acute negative experience caused by a protracted struggle between the structures of the inner world, reflecting contradictory connections with the social environment, and delaying decision-making. Indicators of intrapersonal conflict in the cognitive, emotional and behavioral spheres of the individual are highlighted. Integral indicators of internal conflict are disruption of the normal adaptation mechanism and increased psychological stress.

The main types of intrapersonal conflict: motivational, moral, conflict of unfulfilled desire, role, adaptation and conflict of inadequate self-esteem.

Among the conditions for the emergence of intrapersonal conflict, there are personal (the presence of a complex inner world, a developed hierarchy of motives, a system of feelings, a tendency to introspection and reflection) and situational (external: objective obstacles, demands of society, others; internal: a contradiction between significant relationships of approximately equal strength, which is perceived as unsolvable).

The experience of intrapersonal conflict is a special form of personality activity in which a contradiction is recognized and resolved at the subjective level. The basis of the experience is psycho-emotional stress, which has a subjective quality and objective content.

Internal conflicts can lead to both constructive and destructive consequences. The latter includes the emergence of neurotic conflict.

In modern science, suicidal behavior is considered as a consequence of maladaptation of the individual in the conditions of the microsocial conflict he experiences. A central role in the emergence of a suicidal personality crisis can be played by conflicts caused by the specifics of work activity, family relationships, associated with a person’s antisocial behavior, caused by health conditions or material and living difficulties. Suicidal behavior is based on interpersonal or intrapersonal conflict. An indispensable condition for this is a special personal predisposition, as a result of which the individual is unable to cope with the current problem.

Suicide refers to an extremely destructive way out of intrapersonal conflict. The psychological structure of suicidal behavior is the interrelation of motivational, affective, orientation and executive components of an individual’s activity and communication in a personal crisis situation. The guidelines for determining specific forms and techniques of psychotherapeutic correction of suicidal behavior are the integral properties of the suicidal personality, which include a number of levels of mental activity: cognitive, emotional-motivational and behavioral.

There are a number of conditions for preventing intrapersonal conflicts. Among them are the following: the presence of a stable system of values ​​and motives of the individual; adaptability and flexibility; optimistic attitude towards life; the ability to manage your desires and emotions; development of volitional qualities; clarification of the hierarchy of roles; adequacy of self-esteem; timely resolution of emerging problems; truthfulness in relationships, etc. The resolution of internal conflict is understood as restoring the coherence of the components of the inner world of the individual, establishing the unity of the psyche, reducing the severity of the contradictions in life relationships. The resolution of internal conflicts is influenced by ideological attitudes, volitional qualities, temperament, and gender and age characteristics of the individual. The mechanisms for resolving intrapersonal conflicts are the mechanisms of psychological defense: denial, projection, regression, replacement, suppression, isolation, introjection, intellectualization, annulment, sublimation, rationalization, reactive formation, compensation, identification and fantasy.

Bibliography

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