Psychological characteristics of a postmodern individual and personal self-determination

- Чайка, Г.В. (2020) Psychological characteristics of a postmodern individual and personal self-determination Актуальні проблеми психології. Загальна психологія. Етнічна психологія. Історична психологія, 13 (9). pp. 406-415. ISSN 2072-4722

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Abstract

The article attempts to identify both the positive and negative psychological features of postmodernism. In the era of postmodernism, the grand narratives and ideologies of modernism are rejected; pluralism and eclecticism get dominant positions. On the one hand, there is an increase in individual freedom, including freedom of choice, and personal autonomy. On the other hand, this state of affairs weakens social cohesion, integration, solidarity, and human identity becomes unstable. In the era of postmodernism, every individual increasingly begins to perceive him/herself as a separate, independent person, unrelated to a society to which he/she has no business or obligations. These processes cover Ukraine also. Conducted theoretical review and experimental research demonstrate that young, well-educated Ukrainians share the values of the postmodern era, namely, personal autonomy, personal growth, meaning in life and self-actualization. However, individualism proclaimed in the era of postmodernism does not lead to the ultimate disintegration of society. This is due to the need in relatedness, which means an individual’s desire to be attached to others, to have a reliable, trusting, warm relationship with other people, to have a secure family relationship, to have friends, and in general, to belong to certain groups of people. Namely, a harmonious balance, a combination of personal autonomy and relatedness, positive relationships with others is the key to a successful individual life and the exit of society from the crisis in general.

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