CASHFLOW AS AN EXISTENTIAL SPACE OF CHOICE

Abstract

This article presents an innovative interdisciplinary study of the board game CashFlow as an existential space that models real financial choices within psychological safety and reflexivity. In contrast to conventional approaches viewing financial behavior through rational economic models, the authors argue that monetary decisions are primarily manifestations of deep life-meaning orientations, unconscious money scripts, and personality structure.The empirical pilot study (N=18, mean age 34.2, 100% with higher education) combines quantitative methods (Spearman correlation, psychometric tests) and qualitative phenomenological analysis. Key findings demonstrate: (1) a strong negative correlation between life-meaning orientation (PIL) and money avoidance (ρ = –0.47); (2) positive associations between meaning-of-life and constructive coping and planning (ρ = +0.39); (3) correspondence between dominant personality types (McWilliams) and specific money scripts-narcissistic types show highest scores on «Status» and «Worship», while schizoid types demonstrate maximum avoidance.Qualitative analysis of 18 participant insights reveals four transformation themes: reframing fears and risks (40%), developing responsibility and reflection (30%), reappraising debt as financial leverage (26%), and recognizing automatized behavioral patterns (25%). The study uncovers the unique phenomenon of «existential gameplay», where players not only test financial strategies but simultaneously activate metacognition and experience real-time transformation of core money beliefs.Practical implications address development of a new class of psychotherapeutic and coaching interventions for managing money scripts in existential uncertainty, particularly relevant for military personnel, displaced persons, and individuals in high-stress environments. The article demonstrates that existential meaning serves as a psychological buffer, reducing maladaptive financial patterns while fostering authenticity and psychological resilience.