Psychology of downshifting: substantive and causal aspects

Authors

  • Elena A. Trukhan Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliežnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

Keywords:

downshifting, social status, career, lifestyle, stress, burnout

Abstract

The article discusses psychological, economic, political, philosophical and sociological approaches to studying the phenomenon of downshifting. Within the psychological approach, the substantive and causal aspects of downshifting are analyzed. Downshifting is viewed as a specific way of life, an alternative way to achieving success opposed to careerism, a psychological defense mechanism, a kind of escapism, a form of deviant behavior or a personality disorder, a manifestation of infantilization in adults. Psychological reasons for downshifting, such as role and value conflicts, middle age crisis, individual features of biorhythms, and professional burnout are defined.

Author Biography

  • Elena A. Trukhan, Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliežnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

    PhD (psychology), docent; associate professor at the department of psychology, faculty of philosophy and social sciences

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Published

2019-01-17

Issue

No. 1 (2018): Journal of the Belarusian State University. Philosophy and Psychology

Section

Personality Psychology

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How to Cite

[1]
Trukhan, E.A. 2019. Psychology of downshifting: substantive and causal aspects. Journal of the Belarusian State University. Philosophy and Psychology. 1 (Jan. 2019), 130–134.