NORMATIVE AND DEVIANT BEHAVIOR IN TERMS OF D. UZNADZE SET THEORY BASED STRAIN MODEL

Abstract

Normative systems are major adjustment instruments. Subjective existence of social values and activity standards reflected in norms has its mental equivalent – the system of fixed unconscious sets and expectations underlying activity. Absence of relevant normative sets hinders adaptation and results in different types of tension. Some forms of tension actualize through non-normative channels and create a basis for deviant behavior. Adaptation or the normativity of activity cannot be ensured only by unconscious systems of sets fixed through experience. To adjust to changeable environment it becomes necessary to form new sets which will be later integrated into the existing system. Formation of new sets (D. Uznadze’s “primary/situational†set) requires conscious resources. When the re-actualization of fixed set or the formation of primary set faces some problems resulting in the blockage of activity and the production of tension, effective adaptation cannot be ensured either through unconscious regulation or conscious voluntary regulation. Only the synergism of the two regulatory levels can ensure the modification of fixed sets, formation of primary sets, prevention of strain/ deviation and the normativity of activity. Many classical theories try to explain the formation of strain by blockage of dynamic mental formations. Explaining strain by blockage of existing fixed sets (i.e. from the perspective of Uznadze set theory) represents an original approach to the problem. Furthermore, the explanation of strain by failure to form the situational set necessary for adaptation represents a new approach to the psychological investigation of strain and deviation phenomena.