Suprigan A. Transformation of «self-image» of the personality in difficult life circumstances

Based on a theoretical and practical research of the phenomenon of difficult life circumstances and their impact on the «self-image» of the personality, it was found that the «self-image» is the most moving and dynamic part of self-consciousness, being greatly related to situational changes in personality’s life. It is stated that the most influential changes in the «self-image» of the person are such changes which are assessed by the subject as the «difficult life circumstances». It is substantiated that difficult life circumstances arise as an unpredictable action of a new external factor for which the individual lacks adequate understanding and behavior patterns. Accordingly, the four most common types of difficult life circumstances have been identified on the basis of a leading social and psychological factor for the destruction of an established lifestyle. Such factors are: disintegration of the family; impaired individual functioning; destruction of the source of life support; change of the overall social situation of life. It has been empirically proven that difficalt life circumstances transform the structural components of the «self-image» and such transformation depends on the specific situation. It is proved that in addition to the change in the «self-image», there are changes in the «image of Others», that is reflected in the negative attitude towards others. The technology of psychological assistance to people under difficult life circumstances is developed and tested. As a result, the respondents demonstrated their present subjective position and lifting of the blockade of the future in building life prospects.