Changes of life situation: situational approach

Abstract

The problem of studying context changes is still one of the most actual scientific problems. From the point of view of psychological phenomenology context changes assume changes in the ways an individual interacts with the world. Methodology of description of context changes as changes in individual life situation is based on K. Lewin's ideas. The results of empirical study devoted to (1) individual readiness to changes in life situations (89 managers, career opportunities suggesting residential mobility), (2) making a decision to change life situations (302 first-year students, a choice between getting higher education in home or other town), (3) experience of loneliness due to changes in life situation (84 first-year students who left their home town and moved to another town). The obtained data show the crucial role of individual life stance, attitudes and value system in deciding on whether to change life situation or not. An assessment of future time perspective with relation to its opportunities plays an important role in decision-making. The study results demonstrate the relevance and prospects of using the situational approach.