Bantysheva A. A. The main approaches to the investigation of the problem of a person`s disposition to victim behaviour
The article covers the topical problem of peculiar characteristics in the developmental process of individuals who have a disposition for a victim mentality personality.
As a result of the theoretical analysis of numerous scientific publications, the author details several approaches to the study of the developmental nature process of individuals who have a predilection towards victim like behavior. The author discusses psychoanalytical, biogenetical, personality, cognitive and other aspects of the origins of this particular personality.
According to the psychoanalytical approach, the development of particular traits in an individual can make the person, for example passive, dependent, or vulnerable to certain circumstances. These characteristics are conditional on their advancement or static position in relation to the oral/anal/phallic stages of personal growth in the early years of life.
The biogenetical approach surmises that a “victim mentality” is inherited. DNA molecules do not carry just an organism’s genetic code of inherited biological and physiological peculiarities, but also a code that defines the main patterns of behavior. Individuals who inherit traits from their DNA can display a propensity for self-destructive actions and harmful reactions to common problems.
The person approach considers the entire set of social (self-awareness), biophysical (disability), and psychological (volitional) traits of an individual. These traits can contribute, in certain circumstances, to the formation of conditions that can lead to a crime against the individual and cause him/her damage.
The emphasis of the cognitive approach states that the individual recognizes their behavior as victim behavior and applies this self-awareness to social problem solving. It is important to assess if the individual sees him/herself positively or negatively. Additionally, it is valuable to ascertain how the individual will perceive their past and present in the context of their behavior, hopefully using their cognitive skills for correct future decisions.
The author asserts an integrated, synergetic approach to the study of the victim mentality problem. The author believes this method will allow a full investigation of how an individual’s disposition to victim mentality manifests itself and also, what are the factors that form an individual’s inclination to victim mentality.