Аннотация:The article is dedicated to the study of the psychological and cultural aspects of theperception of folk tales, using the Russian version of the common Slavic plot about theformation of temporary communities—the tale “Tеremok”—as an example. The issuessurrounding the folk tale and its literary adaptations are examined through the lens ofdeconstructing ideological influences, especially those related to the tension betweencollectivism and individuality, as well as the formation and destruction of personal boundaries,self-realization, and the socio-psychological mechanisms that support them. To this end, wedeveloped an integrative theoretical model that draws on concepts from analytical psychology,transgenerational trauma theory, object relations theory, and Bowen’s family systems theory.Special attention is given to the metaphorization of fairy-tale images and plot structures withthe aim of using them for readers to work through childhood traumas and understand theirinfluence on adult life. In particular, the article proposes an author’s interpretation of the roleof parental and social dogmas—often framed as “traditional values”—and the social pressurefor their mandatory implementation in the life of every citizen, which leads to the formationand entrenchment of limiting, and consequently possibly less effective behavioral models inchanging life (including cultural) contexts. The article also discusses examples from thepractice of individual and group profiling, illustrating the behavioral strategies of “mice”—daughters growing up in socially conforming “teremoks” and then seeking self-actualizationin their professional activities and personal lives. The conclusion emphasizes the importanceof working through a non-societal reading of original folk tales to determine one’s individualvalues and behavioral paradigms, as well as working with personal boundaries and selfknowledgeas necessary conditions for effective self-actualization and the formation of healthy,productive relationships in society.Keywords: psychology of fairy tales; folk tale; text analysis and interpretation; culturalstudies; ethnopsychology; social psychology; profiling
