Professional identity as the factor of health of youth

According to the results of two empirical studies (November 2011, February 2012), prevalency of the correct occupation choice (according to abilities, inclinations, calling) is a key characteristic of the quality of human potential of the sociodemographic groups and the country on the whole. Professional identity is considered as one of the main structural components of social identity, and an indicator of individual’s and society’s ability for self-preservation, self-organization, and selfdevelopment. The researchers examined the interconnection between self-assessed health and quality of life of the population (including youth), and indicators of professional identity. The obtained results show that those respondents, who pointed out correspondence between the chosen occupation and their calling, abilities and inclinations, had higher self-assessed health, satisfaction with life and professional optimism – prospects for career advance, professional development, and self-realization