What factors can influence the formation of a worldview, stages and ways to change your view of the world

Man is a social being, which means he has the ability to receive information from other people. Due to the fact that the worldview is formed throughout most of conscious life and can change at any period, we will consider the reasons and principles of its formation separately. In the process of life, a person thinks, looks for methods to implement his ideas and learns to determine the consequences of his actions before the action is taken. Due to the fact that each person has his own position and has an individual picture of the world, his worldview is formed. Of course, in addition to personal factors in shaping a worldview, external factors also have a significant influence. So what does the process of worldview formation depend on?

Stages of worldview formation

Over the course of a person's life, his views on the world can change. It all depends on the volume and quality of experience and knowledge that an individual receives. But the first steps in the formation of a worldview depend on age. Four stages of development can be distinguished:

The starting point is the preschool period. The primary character traits of the child emerge. He learns to communicate through parents, relatives and educators. Family is the main source of worldview formation.
From the age of 6–7 years, the horizons expand significantly. The process of alienation of a child from his parents and social life at school encourage the child to independently study the picture of the world. But until now, values and ideals depend on “significant adults.”
By the age of 13–15, a certain amount of knowledge and experience has been accumulated. The teenager analyzes life situations and the actions of other people. Now the worldview depends not only on parents and the surrounding society. A teenager has his own idea of good and evil, his place in the world. An active search for oneself begins.
After 18–23 years, a young man chooses a path in life. The worldview is formed using a system of concepts and beliefs. Now he is guided by personal guidelines. But ideas about life still change depending on the acquired knowledge and experience.

Levels

Levels of worldview, according to the intellectual, spiritual development of a person, as well as the presence of logical and philosophical thinking, are divided into everyday perception (level No. 1), professional (No. 2) and philosophical (No. 3).

The everyday worldview, also known as the everyday one, is formed spontaneously, due to the daily life of the individual. People whose worldview is “stuck” at the first level and does not develop further are usually unable to logically explain any phenomenon, as well as restrain emotions in conflict situations - at such moments, feelings prevail over common sense. This level is basic, while other levels of worldview are considered acquired. An everyday vision of the world is formed on the traditions and customs accepted in the society surrounding the individual, as well as on experience and instincts. Thanks to him, a person can freely communicate, analyze, and learn.

A professional understanding of the world is the acquisition of skills and experience in a certain field of activity: politics, science, philosophy, creativity, culture. A person with a professional worldview can share his own ideas and thoughts - information of this kind is passed on from individual to individual, from generation to generation. It is worth noting that many famous political figures, as well as philosophers and cultural figures, had this level.

The philosophical (theoretical) worldview is considered the most developed stage. Having achieved it, a person studies, criticizes, analyzes the attitude, acceptance/non-acceptance of the world around him and his “I” as such. An interesting fact is that only a few can reach this level - the philosophical worldview is accessible only to some outstanding theorists and philosophers.

Factors influencing the formation of worldview

When creating a system of views on the world, the human brain uses any information to analyze and gain new experience. The approximate structure from which a worldview is formed can be divided into external and internal factors.

External

The factors at this point are:

Family and education. The child absorbs family traditions, norms of communication and behavior unconsciously. Then, in adulthood, an adult transfers some of them to his family. From childhood, parents lay down the concepts of what is good and what is bad. If the parents’ lives are full, they are educated and modern, then their view of the world is plastic. Despite their extensive life experience, they are still absorbing new knowledge. Then the child is given relevant information. A child who grows up in a safe and comfortable environment has a desire to explore the world. If, on the contrary, you raise a child in excessive severity, then a fear of expressing yourself will appear.
Environment. The expression “tell me who your friend is and I will tell you who you are” is very popular. The society that surrounds a person significantly influences his views, values and habits. Friends, friends and colleagues act as examples for development. When a person finds himself in a successful environment, he improves his quality of life. New goals and a desire to expand your horizons appear. Regarding the right environment, Spiritual Economics says: “What I really called you to is that you should not associate with any of those who call themselves your brother, but themselves remain either a libertine or a money-grubber, and perhaps an idolater or a foul-mouthed man and a drunkard or a swindler. Don’t even sit down to eat with someone like that” (RBO, 1 Cor. 5:11). Once in a bad company, a person inevitably becomes one of its participants. The desire for a successful life disappears, interests become primitive.
Authorities. The source of worldview formation is an authoritative person: parents, teachers, mentors, idols. The emerging person closely monitors the words, emotions and, of course, the deeds performed by the person designated as a spiritual guide. There is a strong desire to imitate her.
Education and science. A person also gains knowledge scientifically in kindergarten, school, university, and training courses. This is where systematized information comes to the brain. It allows you to answer the questions: “How?”, “Why?”, and “Why?” For example, an older child will learn about how heat affects the skin and why it is important to avoid overheating. The more knowledge you have, the stronger your life position becomes. It is easier for a person to draw conclusions on his own, without relying on others. Theoretical knowledge does not always become fertile ground for the formation of a worldview. If a person receives new information in any way and tests it in practice, then new conclusions emerge based on personal experience.

The knowledge that a young person receives at school and university provides the basis for his worldview. Teachers and mentors themselves become authoritative figures for a person. They pass on their experience and knowledge. Quality education provides answers to many questions that arise when searching for yourself. It is also important not to forget about self-education.

Religion. It leaves a noticeable imprint on people's thinking. Faith teaches a person patience and humility. It unites and supports those in need.
National culture. The worldview is influenced by the country in which a person was born. Any culture has its own traditions and customs that shape beliefs and values.
Mass media. One way or another, they are with people throughout their lives. They tell the news, describe events, teach how to live. The media have a huge influence on an entire segment of the population. Information influences the formation of horizons. This is why it is important to filter all information coming from TV, the Internet, newspapers and magazines.

Social media also has a huge impact on personality. 4.2 billion people today are registered on social networks. This represents 53% of the world's population. At the same time, social networking algorithms control what the user sees. In 2014, studies were conducted that involved showing people specially selected news. 700 thousand people took part in the experiment. One group of people was shown exclusively positive news, and the second - negative. After a week of research, the effect was noticeable. Those who watched negative news posted positive posts less and less often. When the share of negativity in the feed decreased, people’s mood improved. This suggests that social networks control mood and form the basis for worldview. Therefore, it is important to filter all information that comes from social networks. It is also important to limit the time you spend in them.

Domestic

Other factors are important here:

Personal experience. From birth, a person learns about the world through experience. The brain receives scattered information about the outside world through experiments. For example, a small child of 3–4 years old does not want to wear mittens outside in winter. Mom allows him to go out without them. The child's hands are cold, and he ends up asking for mittens. The brain formed the concept of the unpleasant sensations that arose from being outside without mittens. This is how learning the world through experience works. A personal value system is based on personal experience. It allows an adult to sincerely believe in the rightness of his actions.
Emotions and feelings. Some beliefs are formed based on personal experiences. In Spiritual Economics the following words are mentioned: ““Joy in the heart is the best medicine, but a depressed spirit dries up the body” (RBI, Proverbs 17:22). If a person approaches life situations with optimism, then it is easier for him to expand the boundaries of his worldview. The environment becomes interesting, you want to explore the world. But if a person has suffered serious moral trauma, then it is difficult for him to open up. The world seems dangerous and evil. In this case, it is recommended to gradually and carefully work with your life attitudes, because childhood traumas are the deepest.
Character. Certain traits broaden one's worldview. This includes will, faith, and a tendency to introspection. These qualities help you achieve your goals and believe in yourself. Such a person does not go with the flow, but doubts the truth of new information and knowledge. He tests it and puts it into practice. This allows you to expand your worldview.

Structure

The structure of a worldview consists of several interrelated aspects:

Knowledge. This part includes information received from the first moments of understanding the environment. Knowledge plays a vital role in a person’s life - it is thanks to it that an individual can easily navigate space. The greater the volume of information learned, the firmer and more stable the life position. The knowledge that forms a worldview can be scientific, practical and professional.
Emotionality. How a person reacts to various life situations is also a component of worldview. Negative and positive emotions, as well as morality and a sense of duty subsequently form the individual’s own view of the world around him.
Values. A person’s attitude to what is happening around him, according to his understanding of his own aspirations, needs, meaning of life and interests. Values in a worldview are of three types: significant (objects, events and people that evoke strong emotions); useful (practical side of life, clothing, food, shelter, knowledge, skills); harmful (negative attitude towards something or someone, actions, situations, for example, murder, violence).
Actions. The implementation by a person of his own ideas and views in practice. There can be both positive (helping people, charity) and negative (extremism, rejection of people with physical disabilities, military actions, crimes of various kinds).
Beliefs. The individual's and society's own views on life. They unite people and are vital for fanatics who unprincipledly follow their values. Beliefs can be firm, true, not amenable to any changes, as well as strong-willed, inspiring, forcing one to fight obstacles.
Character. The structure of a worldview also includes the personal qualities of an individual, without which the formation of stable views on life is not possible. Character traits that contribute to the growth and development of a worldview: will (achieving set goals), faith (self-confidence, trust in other people), doubts (“self-flagellation” regarding new knowledge or values).

Active and passive ways to form a worldview

There are two paths that shape a worldview. The passive path requires no effort. The ideals, views and principles are the same as those of the society in which a person lives. A passive worldview does not require effort and self-searching. Individuality is erased. All views on the world are formed under the influence of life conditions.

The active path of worldview formation is associated with constant risk. A person asks himself questions and looks for answers to them, and does not always focus on the norms of the society in which he lives. Most of the time he studies, gains new experiences, and breaks stereotypes. At the same time, it is important for him to maintain balance. It is not always useful to go against public opinion and be a black sheep. It is possible and sometimes even necessary to acquire new knowledge, relying on the old experience of predecessors. And only then form a personal view.

Spiritual Economics says this: “You don’t even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? For you are like vapor, which appears for a while and then disappears” (NRT, James 4:14). Human life is short, it is important to understand this. Therefore, it is better to spend a short moment on knowledge, studying the world and forming personal views, than to go with the flow, always following the crowd. This will help you feel the taste of life.

Religion is an integral part of worldview

There has long been an invisible struggle between religion and science. Scientific research allows humanity to develop and overcome diseases, while religious knowledge enriches the inner world and helps to survive negative moments in life. The religious worldview is one of the strongest and most effective types of perception of the world. This is explained by the fact that belief in a supernatural, strong being, possessing limitless knowledge, and also controlling moral standards, will, knowledge and physical capabilities of a person, allows you to throw off some of the responsibility for your actions. In addition, faith forces an individual to struggle with difficulties and move forward, gathering groups of like-minded people.

How to change your worldview: tips from psychologists

You may be asking the question: “If a worldview is formed independently through a passive path, then why change it?” But this view of the world remains superficial. Would you like your personal values to depend on other people's opinions? You can change your worldview, but in adulthood it is more difficult to do this.

How you can try to change your worldview:

Analyze your beliefs. Think about your attitude towards life. Self-analysis is a powerful weapon if used in moderation without turning it into self-flagellation. Identify the things that don't satisfy you.
Weigh all the pros and cons of established beliefs. What happens if you remove some of them from your life?
Work on problem areas. Since the initial worldview is formed through the family, problems with the perception of the world almost always arise due to improper upbringing and childhood trauma. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a psychologist to work out all the pain points.
After analyzing and processing traumas, remove from your life all beliefs that cause discomfort or do not bring you any benefit.
Motivate yourself. It is important to remember why you abandoned your previous beliefs. Discipline, patience and self-control will help you stick to your new position. And the realization that you have freed yourself from the burden of attitudes that interfere with you and have become a better person will be your guiding star on the path to a new “me.”

Many factors influence the formation of a worldview. If you want change, but are afraid that it is too late, then take the course “How to remove self-doubt from your head. And in just 14 days, believe in yourself.” In just 2 weeks, you can believe in yourself and never doubt your abilities again, regardless of age or upbringing.

Types

There are several types of perception of the world, each of which is inherent in a certain person, with his level of development of views, characteristics, emotions, actions, values, feelings. Types of worldview, without exception, affect every aspect of a person’s life, his spiritual world, feelings and thoughts. All of them help to adapt to a given situation and contribute to the acquisition of new skills and abilities. In some cases, one individual may have several types of worldview at once - it all depends on his desire to improve himself.

Types of worldviews distinguished in the modern world: everyday, mythological, scientific, humanistic. Philosophical and historical are also highlighted. And there is one more type, which we will consider in more detail - this is a religious worldview.

Basic principles

The main principles of the worldview concern the relationship of God with the world and are divided into:

Atheism is the denial of the existence of the supernatural and gods, and the fundamental principle of everything is matter, the study of which is possible only in a sensual way.
Skepticism - the principle is based on doubts about the immutability of truth and the denial of the divine destiny of man and the meaning of his life. People who share these views believe that the individual is obliged to determine his own destiny, the main values of whose worldview should be to achieve the maximum amount of pleasure.
Pantheism is the belief in a certain basis of the world that gave birth to all things. The form of studying reality in pantheism is observation of reality and deduction on the physical level, and mystical intuition on the spiritual.
Creationism is a principle that affirms God as the first cause of everything, but separates the components that underlie the world from the nature of the Creator himself.

Summarizing what a worldview is, we can define that it is the totality of all knowledge, feelings, views and assessments of a person’s reality in his understanding of the world.

Spiritual aspect

It used to be that people were individuals who had spiritual experiences throughout their lives. Modern sciences come to the conclusion that man is a spirit gaining experience in a physical body. Today, more and more attention is being paid to studying the relationship between the Creator and his creation.

The spiritual worldview of people is built on the acceptance or denial of God. Harmony is based on:

love for the world in general;
acceptance of current events as a manifestation of divine will;
connecting to the energy of love through prayer;
realization of one’s own life through its harmonious living;
a balanced state in all areas of life.

In the absence of spiritual development, people are filled with resentment, adversity, illness and misunderstanding of the meaning of life.

Scientific perception

This type relies entirely on precise thoughts, specifics, facts, devoid of subjectivity. A person who has a scientific worldview is rational, calculating and cold. It so happens that science, philosophy and history have an inseparable connection and numerous common aspects. However, the scientific type of vision of the world allows us to find reasonable answers to every inexplicable phenomenon, in contrast to the historical type, which includes myths and legends.