Features of value and life-meaning orientations of first-year students with different professional identity status

The paper presents an analysis of the results of the study on features of value and life-meaning orientations of first-year students with different professional identity status. The dominant status is the status of a moratorium, which is characterized by an awareness of the problem connected with the crisis in choosing a profession. Then, in descending order, there are formed, indefinite, and imposed professional identities. Students with a formed status have the values of self-affirmation, they are open to change, aimed at the achievement, independent, convinced that they can build a life in accordance with their goals, make decisions and implement them. Indefinite and imposed statuses of students’ professional identity are associated with low control over their lives, lack of faith in the fact that they can build their lives in accordance with their plans, low awareness of the meaning of life, conservatism, manifested in conformity and the search for security. It is concluded that the professional identity status should be taken into account for the successful professionalization of students during their studies at the university. This is especially true for first-year students who need psychological support during the adaptation period.