The Relationship between the Image of Higher Powers and the Satisfaction of Basic Needs among Non-Religious Russians

Purpose of the research: This study aimed to provide a comprehensive description of the subjective image of higher powers among religiously unaffiliated individuals and to explore the relationship between this image and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs. Research objectives: 1. Systematize existing perspectives and definitions of the characteristics of the image of higher powers. 2. Identify basic psychological needs relevant to creating a model of the relationship with the image of higher powers. 3. Develop a semi-structured interview plan for studying the image of higher powers. 4. Empirically investigate the image of higher powers among religiously unaffiliated individuals and its connection to the satisfaction of basic psychological needs through interviews. 5. Analyze and systematize the collected empirical data on the perception of the image of higher powers with varying degrees of psychological needs satisfaction. Research findings: The findings indicate a link between the image of higher powers and the current psychological needs of individuals. The content of the image of higher powers appears to be directed towards fulfilling these current needs. Religiously unaffiliated people tend to attribute characteristics to the higher power that resonate with their psychological needs.