Features of the perception of a life perspective in a difficult life situation (on the example of the COVID-19 pandemic)

The article presents the results of an empirical study of the relationship between life time perspective and the peculiarities of cognitive assessment and emotional perception of the COVID-19 pandemic as a difficult life situation. The paper presents a theoretical review of current domestic and foreign studies of theories of life and time perspective within the psychological time of the individual. The life perspective is considered as a complex of conditions and circumstances that provide a person with the opportunity to develop on his life path. The time perspective is seen as a motivational aspect of life. In the work, to collect data, the survey method (questionnaire) was used, as well as Method for the diagnosis of cognitive assessment of difficult life situations by E.V. Bityutskaya; Questionnaire of Zimbardo’s time perspective. The data were processed by methods of mathematical statistics (contingency tables, frequency, correlation analysis). The results of the psychological research showed that respondents with a pronounced perspective of orientation towards a positive past most often experience difficulties in making decisions in the present. Moreover, if a person is focused on the present, then most often it is accompanied by negative emotional states - apathy, despair, grief, anxiety. It was also found that respondents with a pronounced future orientation perspective do not experience strong negative emotions. Nevertheless, for the overwhelming majority of respondents, the future seems distant and vague, due to which they are unable to make plans and view their lives in the future. Many people are afraid to make plans in a pandemic situation, avoid responsibility, make impulsive decisions, seek pleasure, which increases the risks of social maladjustment