Theoretical and methodological problems of psychological research of personality on the example of studying the conflict between the alter ego and the superego in intrapersonal communication

authors: Olga Kyvliuk,  Oleksandr Khlon

 Relevance of the research topic. The study of intrapersonal communication, in particular the conflict between the alter ego and the super ego of the subject, is extremely relevant in the context of modern socio-political and psychosocial conditions that have developed in Ukraine. In times of war, prolonged socio-economic instability, security threats, large-scale migration, losses and collective traumatization, the mental health of the nation becomes one of the key resources for survival and recovery. Understanding the mechanisms of self-regulation, internal dialogue and personal integration is of particular importance, where the conflict between the alter ego (as an alternative image of the “I”) and the super ego (as an internal moral censor) plays a decisive role. The analysis of this internal conflict allows us to more deeply understand the nature of stress, feelings of guilt, internal pressure or dissatisfaction with oneself, as well as to outline ways to achieve personal integrity. Therefore, consideration of theoretical and methodological problems of studying intrapersonal communication through the prism of the alter ego and super ego conflict is not only scientifically sound, but also a socially important step towards building a mental health system in Ukraine.

Problem statement. The problem lies in the insufficient research of this phenomenon in scientific discourse, as well as in the absence of a holistic methodological model that would allow for a deeper analysis of the dynamics and consequences of such a conflict in modern conditions. That is, in this context, there is a need for theoretical understanding and comprehensive analysis of the problem of intrapersonal communication and the conflict between the alter ego and super ego within the framework of existential psychology and the dialogical theory of J.

Analysis of recent research and publications. J. Rowan in his works pointed to the important role of subpersonalities as forms of the alter ego. A. Henry paid considerable attention to the study of authenticity in the dialogical personality within the framework of the development of ideas about the dialogical theory of Y. Among the domestic researchers of the phenomenon of intrapersonal communication, it is worth noting O. Lazorko, T. Komar, T. Dutkevych.

Problem statement. To analyze the key concepts of intrapersonal communication in the context of dialogical theory; to identify, classify and detail the mechanisms of intrapersonal conflict between the alter ego (as a counterposition) and the super ego (as a moral instance), taking into account psychoanalytic and existential perspectives; to investigate the role of introspection as a reflective method of psychological research in the process of synthesizing contradictory desires/aspirations and possible therapies, as a tool for solving complex psychotherapeutic problems that may arise along the way.

Presentation of the main material. Theoretical and methodological problems of internal communication are rooted in the imbalance of multiple self-positions, where the conflict between the alter ego and the super ego intensifies the contradictions of desires and aspirations, but systematic introspection provides an effective synthesis of aspirations, transforming the conflict into a resource for growth. Based on the analyzed studies, the mechanisms of intrapersonal conflict as an ontological tension of contradictory desires and aspirations between consciousness and the subconscious are substantiated, with an emphasis on the role of the super ego as a barrier and the alter ego as a counterposition. Introspection is positioned as a method for the synthesis of aspirations. Existential psychology provides an ontological framework for understanding these processes, with an empirical effect on resilience, especially relevant for traumatic contexts. In general, the integrative model of the dialogical self-theory DST-existence demonstrates the potential for overcoming the dualism of consciousness/subconsciousness, taking into account cultural factors.

Conclusions. The study confirms that the theoretical and methodological problems of internal communication are rooted in the imbalance of multiple I-positions, where the conflict between the alter ego and the super ego intensifies the contradiction of desires and aspirations, but systematic introspection provides an effective synthesis of aspirations, turning the conflict into a resource for growth.

Keywords: alter ego, super ego, intrapersonal conflict, introspection, consciousness, subconsciousness.

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