The methodological foundations of psychology have been the subject of controversy among theorists for many years. And while in the experimental part scientific research is nevertheless based on a theoretical basis, in the applied work the presence of such a basis is not obvious.
The problem also lies in the fact that each psychological direction establishes its own conceptual apparatus. So the methodology of psychology in practical work is rather vague.
Let's try to figure out if there are principles that combine different areas of practical work with people.
The main direction of any approach to the provision of psychological assistance to a person is working with life problems. Therefore, it makes sense to consider the theoretical basis of counseling in this example.
A consultant psychologist, no matter what direction he adheres to in his work, always uses only those concepts that are clear to himself. So, the methodological principles of counseling necessarily imply a definition of a life problem.
Psychologists and psychotherapists, with all the disunity of their views, agree that a life problem is, first and foremost, a complex emotional negative situation in which a person faces difficulties in satisfying internal needs. This is manifested in the mismatch between the aspirations, desires, goals and the real possibilities of achieving them.
We are all looking for a way out, a cure for adversity, we are thinking about how to make life simpler and easier. Based on the methodological foundations of psychology, or rather the principle of subjectivity, it can be assumed that there are no unique solutions for all people. And each in his own way seeks a way out, makes decisions based on his psychological characteristics. Everyone chooses an acceptable way out of a problem situation for him.
So, the second principle, which is used by many psychologists, is the principle of subjectivity or an individual approach to each person.
There are as many techniques and strategies for working with people and their life problems as there are psychological schools.
This is because understanding the subject of psychology is fundamentally different in different approaches. Representatives of the behavioral direction see human behavior as their subject. The trends that arose recently, called the new cultural and psychological approach, declare the subject of psychology as the soul. There are other points of view. So the choice of work techniques will be determined by each approach in its own way depending on the subject. And here it is hardly possible to find a single basis.
For example, if we consider psychology as a science of the soul, then life problems will be perceived as an opportunity for the soul to become more perfect, and therefore, work with them will go not according to the principle of overcoming, but from the point of view of discovering new qualities in oneself, thanks to which the task can be will decide more successfully.
Another important principle that is characteristic of all psychological directions, without exception, is the vision of a person holistically and in development.
The methodological foundations of psychology indicate that personality develops in the process of life, it is prone not only to adaptation, but also to overcome its own boundaries.
Therefore, the principle of development is also fundamental to working with people. Without it, any psychological activity would be meaningless.
Only due to its ability to change and develop, a person can learn to cope with life's difficulties on his own or with the help of a psychologist.
Thus, we examined some of the methodological foundations of psychology as a science that has, first of all, applied value.
Given these principles in work, the consultant can use a variety of methods to help people and expand the range of techniques used.