Features of the maternal sphere of female students’ personality and activities for its development

Statement of the problem and the purpose of the article. Students, thinking about possible motherhood, face a number of questions, doubts and the need to discuss them and get reliable and systematized information. But they are forced to search for it on the Internet, where information resources for pregnant women are mainly presented or to search for information in their environment, which does not always have a positive experience of motherhood. Therefore, it is important to study the features of a maternal sphere of female students’ personality and determine possible psychological and pedagogical measures for its formation and development of readiness for motherhood. Materials and methods. The research methodology is composed of G.G. Filippova’s concept of ontogenesis of the maternal need-motivation sphere, the theory of psychological readiness for motherhood (E.V. Matveeva, S.Yu. Meshcheryakova), analysis and generalization of research work on psychology of motherhood. Three diagnostic methods were applied: Questionnaire on the ontogenesis of motherhood (G.G. Filippova, T.Yu. Baranova), projective drawing method “My mom and I in childhood” (G.G. Filippova), essay “My future child and I” using content analysis. The basis of the study is the KSPU named after V.P. Astafyev, Krasnoyarsk. The sample includes 37 female students aged 21-22. Research results. Indicators of formation of the maternal sphere of personality and predictors of psychological readiness for motherhood (PGkM) among female students are indicated. The maternal sphere of personality is quite developed in 37.8 % of girls, relatively developed - in 59.5 % and not enough developed - in 2.7 %. Important aspects at the stage of differentiating motivational foundations in the sexual and parental spheres for the formation of the maternal sphere of a personality are the emotional and evaluative perception of the relationship with a mother in childhood and the experience of interaction with babies; the need and value of a maternal role and a child; interest in information on child development and upbringing; recognition of the importance of professional realization and marital relationships for child birth planning. The importance is justified of solving a number of problems for the development of psychological readiness to motherhood before pregnancy. This indicates the need to create a special training course and an information and methodological portal for psychological and pedagogical support of female students as future mothers. Conclusion. The data obtained make it possible to note the features of the maternal sphere of the personality in female students, to determine the predictors of psychological readiness for motherhood. On the basis of this conclusions are made about the necessary psychological and pedagogical measures for girls and topics for educational activities with future mothers.