Barmenkov Yu.V., Ivanov M.V. The problem and prospects of studying symbolic function in clinical psychology

Statement of the Problem. The symbolic function is a crucial concept in the study of individuals in psychological science. While symbolic function is closely connected to many psychology problems and acts as an integrative ability in comprehending reality, the self, and others, it remains a relatively understudied concept. There are problems with distinguishing symbolic and sign functions and determining their structural position in the psyche. The practical significance of developing a diagnostic system oriented toward the early identification of factors predisposing to the development of mental pathology in children and adolescents in addition to the identification of the emerging personality pathology features poses requirements for further study of the integrative formations of the mind and mechanisms determining their formation. Thus, the study of symbolic function is seen as promising because of its fundamental importance for the human psyche and participation in the formation of the relationship to the Other at the earliest stages of ontogenesis.

The purpose of the study. To review studies devoted to the research of symbolic function and its disorders in psychiatric pathology, and to synthesize existing views and experimental data on this problem in the perspective of idea conceptualization for study in the field of child and adolescent clinical psychology.

Findings. The differentiation key criterion between symbolic and sign functions is the function itself in its process of implementation. The prior function is determined by the nature of the situation in which the subject acts and their attitude toward cognition and the situation itself. Uncertainty and existential significance are two specific characteristics of situations that are conducive to symbolic thinking. The symbol construction scheme based on analysis of the relationship of symbolic function, subjectivity and the inter-subjective nature of the psyche is suggested in the study. Considering symbolic function as an integrative basis for cognitive activity was the result of the conceptualization. The potential for studying symbolic function in various psychiatric pathologies, based on the analysis of literature data, is provided.

Conclusion & Significance. The results of studies on symbol formation in childhood, the analyzed relationship between subjectivity and symbolic function, the possibility of considering the structure of the subject through the actualization of the symbolic function, and research confirming the potential for using concepts related to the symbolic function in studying mental disorders in adulthood make further study of the symbolic function in patients of child and adolescent age groups with mental development disorders promising. Experimental studies, carried out on the material of mental pathology in childhood and adolescence, will allow to reach a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of symbolic function in the construction of pathopsychological diagnosis preventive systems.

Key words: symbolic function, cognition, subject, symbol, sign, intersubjectivity, mental disorders

For citation: Barmenkov, Yu.V., Ivanov, M.V. (2024). The problem and prospects of studying symbolic function in clinical psychology. New Psychological Research, No. 3, 45–74. DOI: 10.51217/npsyresearch_2024_04_03_03