In my approach to problem analysis of fairy-tale the following criterion s have been distinguished:

1. 1) what problems are presented in the fairy-tale;

2. 2) by what ways, what means the characters of the fairy-tale try to solve the problems;

3. 3) what other ways of problem solving may be used in the case;

4. 4) where do the characters of the fairy-tale look for ways of problem solving;

5. 5) what mistakes have been made and what successful means of problem solving the characters of the fairy-tale used;

6. 6) what has led to the origin of the problem;

7. 7) how the problem could be avoided;

8. 8) what is needed to solve the problem; etc.

Main merits of the approach:

1. 1) actually all kinds of forms of thinking are presented in fairy-tales;

2. 2) fairy-tales reflect many, diverse problem situations and ways of their solving;

3. 3) the plots of fairy-tales give an opportunity to identify concrete factors influencing the problem solving;

4. 4) the completed story presented in fairy-tale gives an opportunity to consider the process of problem solving in the concrete context and dynamic;

5. 5) fairy-tale provokes a certain mental state which creates a good ground for learning and training of problem solving skills;

6. 6) with the help of fairy-tale it is easier to enter the inner world of the personality than by means of abstract scientific schemas, notions and conceptions;

7. 7) fairy-tale is a good instrument to render psychological and psychotherapeutic help to patients with chronic mental disorders; etc.