Dialectical relationship between forms of self-development in the context of problems pertaining to a person's psychological support

The paper deals with analysis of personality's forms of self-development: self-assertion, self-improvement, self-actualisation and self-realisation in the context of addressing psychological support of a person. These forms of self-development differ from each other as to the needs, goals, motives and strategies for implementation. The author discusses the controversial question of self-realization role in the structure of self-development. He concludes that self-realisation is both an independent process, and the form of self-development. The result of self-development in all its forms is personal growth. Its specifics and qualitative singularity will be determined by the choice of particular strategies of self-assertion, self-improvement and self-actualisation. The paper also explores the peculiarities of the dialectical relationship between forms of self-development. They are characterised by the fact that each of the self-development forms has a specific function, and at the same time contributes to the realisation of functions inherent in other forms thereby causing cohesion and self-orientation of the whole process. In terms of time primary thing is self-affirmation, in which "mature" other forms of self-development. Self-affirmation is the leading form until adolescence. Starting from adolescence, under favorable conditions, the self-improvement begins to dominate. Development of an adult person is largely characterised by that of self-actualisation and self-realisation. A practical psychologist can clearly identify the strategic guidelines in the course of psychological support of self-development.Prior to adolescence, it will be assistance in the self-affirmation of the individual, particularly in the choice of self-affirmation strategies, create conditions for overcoming the dominant strategy or self-suppression strategy. In adolescence and high school age the focus is shifted to self-improvement support, to assist in the appropriate strategies selection: the acquisition, redemption, conversion and limitations. At the same time goals of positive affirmation continue to be addressed, and preconditions for self-actualisation and realisation of personal potential in life continue to be created.