Relevance of the study. Modern Ukrainian psychology is developing in complex socio-cultural conditions that combine global scientific trends and local challenges. Educational reform, war and processes of cultural self-identification pose new tasks for psychology: how to simultaneously preserve scientific validity and meet the needs of society.
The main part of the work. Theoretical problems in the Ukrainian context are caused by the search for a national paradigm. Today, the task of integrating classical concepts with modern cognitive and humanistic approaches, but in its own cultural context, is relevant.
In different historical periods, psychology was defined as the science of the soul (17th–18th centuries), consciousness (19th century), behavior (behaviorism), psyche, or as the science of human activity and interaction with culture. Today, the subject of psychology is often described as a multi-level system: from neurobiological processes to sociocultural practices. This creates a methodological problem of harmonizing different levels of analysis.
Multiple paradigms: cognitive psychology - focuses on the processes of thinking, memory, attention, language; the psychoanalytic tradition emphasizes unconscious motives and internal conflicts; humanistic psychology focuses on the personality, its freedom and self-realization; the cultural-historical approach proves that the psyche is formed through the internalization of social practices; neuroscience claims that modern brain research seeks to explain psychological phenomena at the level of neural mechanisms. The problem is that no paradigm is universal, and their integration requires new methodological solutions.
Psychological laws are considered common to all people regardless of culture. Psychological processes are viewed as dependent on language, traditions, social norms. Ukrainian context - the combination of universal models (for example, cognitive theories) with ethnopsychology studies that take into account Ukrainian cultural identity is especially relevant.
The problem of integrating psychology with other sciences, in particular biology and medicine. Psychology is increasingly relying on neurobiological data. Sociology and culturology - psychological phenomena are considered as socially conditioned. Informatics and artificial intelligence - new technologies create models of cognitive processes, but at the same time raise questions about the boundaries of psychology as a science.
Challenges of the 21st century - the problem of consciousness, the problem of identity, the problem of development: Can subjective experience be explained only by neurobiological mechanisms? How are personal and collective identities formed in the world of globalization and war? Is the development of the psyche a linear process, or does it depend on cultural and social contexts?
Moreover, this also concerns cultural identity. Psychological research should take into account Ukrainian traditions, ethno-artistic forms, and folk pedagogy. This is important for the formation of psychology, which not only borrows Western models, but also develops its own.
Methodological problems and challenges of educational reform - a competency-based approach. The New Ukrainian School (NUS) is focused on the development of critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and creativity. This requires new psychological methods that go beyond traditional tests and take into account the cultural context. Adaptation of methods is also relevant. Many psychological tools were created for Western cultures. In Ukraine, there is a need to adapt them to linguistic, ethnic, and social characteristics. Psychological support for educational reforms is important [1, 2]. Teachers and students experience stress from change. Therefore, psychology should develop support programs that take into account both cognitive and emotional aspects.
Cultural identity in psychology involves the study of the features of the Ukrainian mentality, values, and traditions that help to understand the specifics of personality development. The use of folk art, songs, photography and art therapy contribute to the preservation of cultural memory and the formation of resilience in children and adults [3]. In conditions of war and social crises, photography and art become tools of psychological rehabilitation, helping to integrate traumatic experiences into culturally significant forms.
Modern trends in Ukraine are the integration of psychology and education, research into psychological resilience, as well as international integration. Psychologists are actively involved in the development of curricula that form logical, abstract and critical thinking of children [4]. In conditions of war, research into psychological resilience, collective memory and cultural identity becomes especially relevant. Ukrainian psychology strives to be part of world science, but at the same time to preserve its own cultural specificity.
Conclusions. Theoretical and methodological problems of psychology in Ukraine are dual in nature: they reflect global scientific challenges and local cultural tasks. Educational reform and processes of cultural self-identification create a unique context where psychology becomes not only an academic discipline, but also a tool for social development and cultural preservation.
List of sources used
1. Pro.Svit. Reform of psychological service in education: key steps and expected changes [Electronic resource]. – Access mode: https://prosvit.org (access date: 11/15/2025).
2. Osvitoria. Educational trends for 2025: Ukrainian and world research [Electronic resource]. – Access mode: https://osvitoria.media (access date: 11/17/2025).
3. Association of Higher School Psychologists of Ukraine. Current problems of development of higher school psychology in Ukraine: conference materials. – Kyiv: APVSHU, 2024. – 212 p.
4. DSpace ZNU. Peculiarities of art therapy in Ukraine [Electronic resource]. – Access mode: https://dspace.znu.edu.ua (access date: 11/16/2025).
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