Synergetic and holistic tendencies in self-concept: theory and practice

Abstract

The paper presents theoretical and empirical analysis of synergetic and holistic tendencies in self-concept. The theoretical analysis includes a review of Lange theory considering development as a process from uncertain holistic beginning to differentiated and hierarchically ordered completion. Recent studies in developmental psychology have proved Lange theory [Chuprikova, 1997; Ivanova, 2001; Greenfield, 2004; Konchalovskaya, 2006]. These studies show that perception of self as holistic and unique develops from subconscious characteristics of subjective self which are emotionally indeterminate and thus cannot be verbalized. Self-concept content gradually becomes more conscious, clear, and differentiated with balanced proportion of subjective and objective features of self-concept. In adolescence this proportion reflects social characteristics related to perception of self, the others and the world. The empirical research was based on a sample of 186 adolescents living in an extreme social environment of war (the Chechen Republic) and in a stable social environment (the Republic of Ingushetia). A comparative analysis of self-concept structural components was performed. An extreme social environment impact on self-concept development in adolescents was analyzed. The results show that adolescents suffered the war perceive the world as threatening and self-functioning in that world as: (1) defensive, suffering, needing help and dying; (2) taking vengeance and attacking; (3) outcast and humble. This was not observed in adolescents living in a stable social environment. The higher expectation of other people positive feeling combined with negativism towards the others is more relevant for the adolescents living in the war zone and shows their frustrated needs in positive relationship, empathy and understanding. The pessimistic perception of self in future is also characteristic of this group.