The Bulletin of National Defence University of Ukraine

The article examined the development of a trichotomous spatial-mnestic model of deviant behaviour in the context of memory associativity. The theoretical foundation of the study was the conception of phenomenological space as a primary matrix of consciousness, within which thinking, memory, and behaviour are organised topologically. Space was considered not as a physical given, but as a structured field of experience formed through the interaction of perception and mental functions. Particular attention was paid to the associativity of memory as the capacity to make transitions between elements of experience, ensuring the meaningful coherence of consciousness. The relevance of the study stems from the growing interest in the problem of cognitive maps and the spatial organisation of memory in contemporary science. The aim of the study was to theoretically and empirically substantiate the existence of a correlation between the associativity of memory, the topological characteristics of phenomenological space, and forms of deviant behaviour. The methodology included phenomenological analysis, theoretical modelling and empirical research. The empirical stage was carried out using the Word Association Test. A procedure was developed for operationalising the topological characteristics of space based on associative indicators (indices of continuity, extent, structuredness, three-dimensionality, and infinity). The results of the study showed that, for the majority of respondents, moderate values of continuity and structuredness of phenomenological space predominate, alongside relatively high extensiveness and an average level of its openness. It was found that the variability of associative transitions reflects the degree of organisation of mental space and may be linked to regulatory mechanisms of behaviour. Based on an analysis of topological parameters and the nature of associative links, a typology of potential deviant manifestations has been proposed. Four types of deviation have been identified: situational, associated with local disruptions of continuity; value-existential, caused by a reduction in the structure of the semantic space; cyclical, arising from repetitive associative trajectories; and intellectual-symbolic, manifested in excessive abstraction and the expansion of associative space. The results obtained indicate the possibility of using topological characteristics of phenomenological space as indicators of the cognitive prerequisites of deviant behaviour. The practical value of this work lies in the possibility of using the proposed model for the diagnosis and prediction of deviant forms of behaviour in psychological practice, as well as in research in cognitive psychology, psychotherapy and behavioural sciences

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