Mental regulation of psychological states in ordinary and stressful conditions

Abstract

The problem of self-regulation is one of the central ones in the study of human behavior. To maintain sustainable behavior, it is necessary to manage oneself. The mental component of regulation is the least developed in the theoretical constructions of self-regulation of states. In this work, we set a goal – to identify the specifics of the relationships between the components of mental regulation and the characteristics of psychological states in situations with different level of stress. The study sample consisted of 92 people (41 men and 51 women, average age 23.7 years). During the study, standardized methods for diagnosing mental structures (reflexive, semantic, self-system), psychological states, as well as ways of self-regulation were used. Based on the results of the study, we found that in everyday situations, the factor of mental state activity has the greatest weight, i.e. when performing routine tasks, the current state ensures efficiency and adequacy of behavior due to its regulatory function. In a tense situation, the factor of semantic regulation, which includes indicators of life-meaning orientations, comes to the fore. The contribution of mental structures involved in the regulation of the state depends on the characteristics of the situation. Thus, the importance of the components of consciousness in the regulation of mental states is shown. The results of the study can be used in the work of psychologists when planning and conducting activities aimed at increasing the regulatory capabilities of clients, taking into account the degree of tension in the life situation.