Chesnokova, Milena G.

The article discusses methodological potential of the concept of paradigm in psychology. The issues of paradigm’s definition, the base of psychological paradigms allocation, classification of paradigms and paradigm’s patterns of development in psychology are considered. The author offers her own view of the problem of paradigms in psychology. She analyzes the four research paradigms of psychology: gnoseological, phenomenological, activity and existential one — and emphasizes their connection with certain currents of philosophy. The features of transformations of these paradigms in their transition to applied psychology, practical psychology and psychotherapy are followed. The reasons for the coexistence and integration of different paradigms in modern psychology are analyzed.

The article discusses the possibilities of use of the most important categories and principles of the cultural activity approach in the field of health psychology. Biological and psychological understanding of health is compared in it. Besides, modern scientific definition of human health is given. Main methodological approaches to the study of person’s health are considered too. On the bases of Vygotsky’s ideas the view of health as a higher mental function (HMF) is proposed and substantiated. The contents of the concept of HMF, its connection with traditional system and level approaches are revealed. Understanding of health as HMF is compared with existing directions based on Vygotsky’s and cultural historical ideas in the field of health psychology and in clinical psychology of physicality in particular. The final part of the article is devoted to issues of occupational health. The connection of the structure, development and individual style of activity and occupational health, issues of improvement health motivation are investigated with view of activity approach. The methodological potential of the concept of health as HMF and activity approach ideas to health psychology and psychological science in general is emphasized.