CLOTHING AS A MULTIDIMENSIONAL PSYCHOLOGICAL PHENOMENON

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive theoretical analysis of clothing as a multidimensional psychological phenomenon functioning at bodily, cognitive, emotional, and socio-communicative levels. Clothing is conceptualized as extending beyond its utilitarian function and serving as a significant resource for self-perception, self-presentation, and social interaction. It is examined as a form of materialized experience that reflects cognitive schemas, emotional states, and social attitudes, while also functioning as a means of encoding socially meaningful information. The study integrates key theoretical approaches to the psychology of clothing, including socio-psychological, cognitive, and embodied perspectives, providing a holistic understanding of its nature. Particular attention is given to the influence of symbolic meanings of clothing on cognitive processes, attention, interpretation, and behavioral strategies. Clothing is shown to be embedded in the self-concept, influencing self-esteem, self-acceptance, and subjective well-being. The article analyzes the role of clothing in shaping first impressions, social identification, regulation of interpersonal interaction, and reproduction of social hierarchies. The impact of sociocultural and professional contexts on clothing choices and related psychological states is also examined. Special emphasis is placed on the contemporary Ukrainian context, where clothing functions as a marker of identity, a means of psychological resilience, and a symbol of cultural belonging. The importance of adaptive clothing as a tool for psychological support, social adaptation, and reintegration is highlighted.