SUMMARIES

L.S. Vygotsky's concept's logical-semantic analysis: Behavior forms systematics and the laws of higher psychic functions development

B.G. Meshcheryakov

Terminological system of L.S.Vygotsky's concept is logically-semantically analyzed. As a result general structure and thesaurus of concept is found out as well as a number of conceptual controversies.  The means to deal with the latter are offered. It is argued that the higher psychic functions development was described by L.S. Vygotsky by the complex of four laws. L.S. Vygotsky's concept is a complex one and needs further investigation.

Pushkin about children

N.S. Leytes

The author reviews those A.S.Pushkin's works where children are mentioned. It is shown that brief Pushkin's drawings depict exact age-specific features. Child's perception, imagination, activity were congenial for the poet. Pushkin's attitude to children demonstrates his humanistic and bright outlook.

Learning problems in schoolchildren: Psychoneurological and neuropsychological study

N.N. Zavadenko, A.S. Petrukhin, N.Yu. Suvorinova, T.Yu. Uspenskaya, N.G. Manelis, T.Kh. Borisova

The developmental disorders of higher cerebral functions are often found in children with behavioral and learning difficulties. Psycho-neurological and neuropsychological assessment of 537 primary public school pupils (300 boys, 237 girls) aged 7-10 years reveals definite learning and behavioral problems in 31,6 % of schoolchildren. Children suffering minimal cerebral dysfunction (MCD) lag in the development of some higher cerebral functions, e.g. praxis, gnosis, language, memory and attention and have difficulties in mastering writing, reading or arithmetic skills along with behavioral problems. The most common form of MCD is represented by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which is diagnosed in 7,6 cases. Both MCD and ADHD are more prevalent in boys than in girls.

Preschoolers' thinking flexibility forming

E.S. Ermakova

The structure of preschoolers' thinking flexibility is discussed. The author considers its development as connected to image means of thinking activity - dialectic factors. The ways of thinking flexibility development are offered: dramatic plays with a plot depicting dialectic transformations.

Smoking prevention: The role and place of psychologist

A.A. Alexandrov, V.Yu. Alexandrova

Smoking situation in schoolchildren is outlined and different models of smoking prevention are discussed. Psychological and social conditions of this harmful habit emergence are described. The necessity of psychologists' participation in smoking prevalence and treatment is stressed.

Group work as a form of psychological assistance for unemployed

I.A. Voloshina, O.V. Galitsina, V.A. Grebennikov, T.A. Znakova

The problem of psychological assistance for unemployed by State service is discussed.  The results of experimental study of efficacy of club work for such a goal are presented. The dynamics of personal parameters and new employment statistical data show the efficacy of the program.

Social-psychological training by means of business play

S.E. Borisova

The possibilities of social-psychological training by means of business play are discussed. It can be used for the development of professional skills in different situations and for correction of professional behavior. Methodical advises for training manager are offered.

From levels of processing to stratification of cognition

B.M. Velichkovsky

The article is devoted to the classical problem of differentiating levels of cognitive processes in humans. The new data on the nature of levels-of-processing effects known from investigation of memory are analyzed. As additional sources of evidence, the information of brain-imaging studies as well as the detailed analysis of temporal and spatial parameters of eye movements are used. All three lines of investigation bring about partially converging results what is considered as a proof of the hierarchical organization of human cognitive activity.

Mathematical modelling of movements: Synergetic and cognitivistic approaches

A.V. Kurgansky

Perspectives of voluntary movements mathematical modelling in the framework of N. Bern-stein's views on functional nature of action are discussed. Cognitivistic vs synergetic approaches are compared for two classes of movements - aiming and rhythmic. Modern practice of cognitive approach based on structure concept does not make it possible to explain the fact of movement emergence. On the other hand self-organizational theory tends to ignore the structural features of movement and has to borrow the concept of structural information-specific boundary conditions from cognitivistic domain. The author argues that two approaches are complementary and makes the attempt to unify them.

M.I. Lisina's communication concept and its significance for Russian psychology

E.O. Smirnova

M.I. Lisina scientific concept and the main trends of her studies are analysed, especially those underlining the influence of communication on various sides of psychic development. The perspetives of M.I. Lisina's scientific school are discussed.

Psychology of interpersonal forgiveness

E. Gassin

Forgiveness has long had a prominent place in theological and ethical systems. Current psychological theory about and research on interpersonal forgiveness further suggests that forgiveness is an important part of both mental and physical health. Both forgiver and offender benefit when genuine forgiveness is offered with love and accepted with humility and gratitude.  Although professionals in psychology cannot force clients to be merciful, practitioners will be assisting individuals and society if they promote understanding of what authentic forgiveness is and encourage others to practice this virtue.