Where do Princesses Disappear to? Stories of Troubled Female Identity in Fairytales and Life

The new book by Gennady Maleichuk is dedicated to exploring the formation and transformation of female identity – from the fairytale archetype of the Princess to the real-life scenarios of modern women. The author examines why the image of the Princess, originally inherent to female identity, is often lost and what psychological mechanisms underlie this process.
In the first, theoretical part, a detailed analysis is conducted on how the identity of the Princess is formed and what role significant Others – parents, close ones, social environment – play in this process. It shows how messages, expectations, and the nature of relationships affect a woman's self-perception, her sense of her own value, boundaries, desires, and her right to be herself. The psychological conditions that contribute to the preservation of a coherent identity, as well as the factors that lead to its distortion or loss, are described.
In the second, practical part, a psychological analysis of the life stories of fairytale princesses (Nastenka, Alenushka, Cinderella, Donkey Skin, Snow White, Rapunzel) and real clients is presented. Through the comparison of fairytale plots and life stories, typical scenarios, internal conflicts, and ways of resolution are revealed.
The publication is addressed to practicing psychologists, psychotherapists, and students of these specializations, as well as anyone interested in psychology.