Analysis of the capacity for overcoming within the Russian psychological science

Abstract

The object of this article is the concept of the “capacity for overcoming” in research of the national psychological science. Quite a large number of research of the Russian psychologists and physiologist, such as I. P. Pavlov, I. M. Sechenov, S. N. Chkhartishvili, A. N. Leontiev, S. L. Rubinstein, etc., known as the founders of this psychological construct, are dedicated to studying the phenomenon of “overcoming”. The concept of “overcoming” is viewed in the context of willful behavior, reasonableness of actions, motivation for actions, self-regulation of behavior and activity. The author notes that the process of overcoming obstacles is different in humans and animals, as for humans the willful component is pivotal. The actions of a person when facing an obstacle – objective or subjective, is determined not by the primary motive, but rather by nature of the obstacle; the behavior strategy is formed depending on the characteristics of the emerged obstacle. A number of psychological research demonstrate that the concept of “overcoming” is examined not only in the context of will, but also as a complex process that involves temperament, separate qualities of the nervous system, personality traits, decision-making, motives, self-regulation skills, and other psychological constructs. The conclusion is made that the concept of “overcoming” is interdisciplinary, and requires further research, as well as analysis of formation of the capacity for overcoming in a human. The concept of “overcoming” was studied in a number of Russian psychological concepts, usually in the context of various psychological phenomena.