Oivaltavat

Oivaltavat is a Finnish word that translates to "threatening" or "ominous" in English. In psychology, Oivaltavat refers to a term used by Finnish psychologist Ilmari Vexi to describe a feeling of being threatened or menaced by something or someone. Vexi introduced the concept in his book "Oivaltavat ja hermot" (Threats and Emotions) in 1965.

Vexi defined Oivaltavat as a complex emotional state that is characterized by fear, anxiety, and unease. He believed that Oivaltavat is a natural human response to real or perceived threats, and it plays a significant role in motivating individuals to take action to protect themselves. According to Vexi, Oivaltavat can be triggered by various stimuli, including physical threats, social pressures, or even hypothetical scenarios.

Oivaltavat is often contrasted with the concept of "ohastrava" or "interesting", which Vexi believed to be a more positive emotional state. While Oihstrava is characterized by curiosity and a desire to learn more, Oivaltavat is marked by a sense of apprehension and fear. The distinction between these two concepts highlights the importance of emotional regulation in coping with challenging situations.

Vexi's work on Oivaltavat has been influential in Finnish psychology and has garnered interest from international researchers. While the concept remains largely theoretical, it has been applied in various fields, including education and marketing, to better understand how people respond to threats and perceive risk.