Psychological representation of life space: understanding and unit of analysis

The study reveals the features of theoretical understanding of life space phenomenon and interpretations of this construct in modern Russian psychology. The scope of domestic research in this field is determined. However, the international studies into this issue refer to environmental psychology. The basic units of analysis (formal, dynamic, and substantial ones) are identified. The focus is on the psychologically relevant aspects of interpreting the representation of life space. In the authors' opinion, the psychologically relevant formal and dynamic features of life space representation include dimension (simple/complex), structure (homogeneous/multidimensional), and dynamics (dynamic/static). The substantive features involve self-reliance, emotional state, “benevolence/hostility” of the world, and “activity/inactivity” of an actor. Further research development implies the analysis of the relationship between the psychological well-being of actors and the features of their life space representation.