Subjective quality of life and psychological adaptation of individuals with low, normal and high level of escapism

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study of Subjective quality of life and Psychological adaptation level among individuals with low, normal and high level of Escapism (N=329, 18-52 years old Russians from big cities). Four tests were applied including the new Escapism Scale. Individual with high level of Escapism have lower Subjective quality of life in several parameters — Stability in Country, Confidence in Future, Ecology, Social recognition, Interesting Job, Health and Active life, Internal Harmony and Inner Conflict absence, Privacy (as a Personal Space), Self-Confidence, (Subjective well-being Questionnaire, T. Savchenko, G. Golovina). ‘Excessive’ escapists also demonstrate lower level of psychological adaptation including Self-acceptance, Loyalty, Internality, Emotional Comfort, Intention to dominate (SPA Questionnaire, C. Rogers, R. Diamond). Because of that, Escapism can be characterized mainly as a compensational mechanism which emerges due to the reduced level of an individual’s adaptation to his/her social environment. The consistence of theoretical layout and empirical data obtained confirm the validity of presented Escapism Scale and its applicability for further empirical research.