Vol 16, No 1 (2019)

The paper represents the results of exploring the effects of values on the specifics of parentchild interaction in Finno-Ugric families (Udmurts, Komi-Permyaks) in comparison to the Russian ones. 280 respondents, including 140 mothers and 140 children (56 % are females) have participated in the research: 1) representatives of the Finno-Ugric (Ural) peoples: Udmurts (94 individuals) from villages of Mozhginsky district of the Udmurt Republic and Komi-Permyaks (86 individuals) from the villages of Komi-Permyak Okrug of Perm Krai; 2) representatives of the Russian ethnocultural group (100 individuals) from the village Ust-Kachka of Perm Krai. The standardized techniques have been implemented: the technique by S. Schwartz adapted by N.M. Lebedeva for measuring values at the individual level and the questionnaire by I.M. Markovskaya for exploring parent-child interactions. The methodology and procedures of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) have been used as the main statistical method. It is revealed that parent-child interaction in Finno-Ugric families living in rural settlements with the autochthonic population is based on collectivistic values of self-preservation and survival, harmonious interaction with others. At the same time, the effect of a distinct individualistic value of independence on the indicators of the cohesion of parent-child interaction positions is found in Russian families. The results obtained during the research can be implemented while developing pedagogic techniques including the algorithms of inculturation of children in social institutions.

The article presents the results of a theoretical analysis of the contemporary foreign and domestic literature on the concept of the cognitive reserve, which is currently extremely urgent. The problems and the specificity of the cognitive impairments in patients with cardiovascular pathology, in particular, with coronary heart disease, as well as the main concepts and methodological problems of the concept of cognitive reserve are discussed in detail. The problem of the operationalization of this concept and the difficulties associated with it in determining the potential mechanisms of the cognitive reserve implementation are considered. The reciprocal influence of cognitive impairments on the course and prognosis of the coronary heart disease, in particular, on the level of compliance of the cardiac patients and subsequent psychological rehabilitation has been considered. In this regard, the paper discusses the potential directions for further research on the concept of cognitive reserve in relation to coronary heart disease, namely, the prospects of the study of the relationship between cognitive impairment and affective pathology and, in particular, alexithymia, which can significantly optimize the existing rehabilitation schemes for patients with ischemic heart disease.

The article reviewed the modern empirical studies of alexithymia, summarized the theoretical understanding of the phenomenon of alexithymia, describes the difficulties faced by the people with a high level of alexithymia and suggested tips on psychological work with the alexithymic people. The novelty of this research consists in the formulation of the aspects of the practical work of a psychologist in order to increase the level of the adaptation of the alexithymics and improve the quality of their life. At the moment, this problem is covered in only a small amount of research. The main result of the article is the identification of the areas of psychological work with the alexithymics: (1) the improvement of the connection with the body; (2) the correction of personality problems; (3) the psychological assistance in the harmonization of the interpersonal relations. It has been shown that disrupted connection with the body is one of the most significant problems of the alexithymics and the factor which contributes to the development of psychosomatic diseases. For the improvement of the connection with the body the authors suggest such types of psychological work as the differentiation of physical feelings, a fuller understanding of the body map, the ability to control the condition of the body, the acceptance of the body and the increase in the satisfaction with it. The ways of working with the most significant personality problems of the alexithymics are singled out (correction of non-adaptive coping-strategies, low level of life satisfaction, rigidity, and instability of the emotional sphere). The areas of work on improving the relations of the alexithymics with the surrounding people are highlighted (gaining more knowledge about the emotional sphere, working with friends and relatives, teaching communication skills, taking into account the influence of alexithymia). Finally, the conclusion is made about the importance of the integrated psychological work with the people with a high level of alexithymia in order to develop the specific tools for comprehensive assistance to alexithymics.

The article looks into the English language needs of engineering students and young graduates at one of the leading technological universities in Russia - NUST MISiS. The authors used a mixed methodology approach to explore how often and in what real-life situations current and former students use the English language. 107 paper questionnaires were completed by master’s degree students in class and the answers were counted; 123 responses were received online from 2015 and 2016 graduates and processed statistically; 17 structured interviews with college administrators and subject professors were recorded and then coded for the main categories. The results demonstrate that despite dramatic changes at NUST MISiS under The Competitiveness Enhancement Program 5-100, good English competence is not a priority, with the majority of young graduates being ‘unsure’ about its benefits for their career and some administrators calling it ‘the least required competence’. However, the English language needs vary across subject departments. Thus, students majoring in new materials and programming use English on a regular basis, while economists and metallurgists might not really need it in both studies and future job. Overall, the most required skill is reading, and the least used ones are oral communication and academic writing in English. The authors discuss how orientation on potential rather than actual needs can affect the ESP/EAP course design in the context of engineering education in Russia.

In October 2018, the first and the only one in Russia Chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, opened in 2013 at the Philology Department of the RUDN University, turned 5 years. This report is devoted to the history of creation, development and prospects of the Psi Chi Chapter at RUDN University.

Currently, the members of the Chapter are preparing to participate in the Psi Chi President elections to be held in March 2019, as well as in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the organization of Psi Chi and the 10th anniversary of the internationalization of the society, which will be held in September 2019. The publications in the following issues of RUDN Journal of Psychology and Pedagogics will be dedicated to this festive event.