The article deals with the basic directions and tendencies of the USSR NEP study in the modern domestic historiography. The authors point out the key problems that are in the focus of research. Based on the analysis of the domestic scientists, the opinion about the lack of attention to socio-psychological characteristics of the Soviet society in the period of NEP is expressed in the article. The authors suggest that special attention should be paid to the mental aspects of the origins, development and the end of NEP.