Qualitative Characteristics of Life Values of Student-age Youth (As Exemplified by the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia))

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The article provides the analysis of works of classics of sociological and philosophical thought, works of modern psychologists, teachers and sociologists devoted to the issues of students’ vital values. The psycho physiological features and factors influencing formation and dynamics of vital values of student's youth of Higher education institutions of Yakutia in modern conditions are studied. Methods/Statistical Analysis: A sociological survey including 35 questions has been conducted to study qualitative characteristics of youth and to identify the reasons of difficulties of the adaptation period at the beginning of training in higher education institution. The students had to choose the ready answer for 31 questions of the questionnaire and give their independent answers for 4 questions. Questions were divided by the thematic and problem principle: need for the higher education, difficulty for study, questions concerning deviation, youth problems, healthy lifestyle, vital values, reproductive plans, migration and plans after study. Findings: Within the conducted research, the considered preferences: a good family, friends and interesting work and vital and others are ranked the first in the system of vital values of the younger generation. At the same time, availability of both the highest and secondary professional education, irrespective of motives for receiving it, in general is perceived by students as one of the main components of future wellbeing and success. It is connected with the fact that the question of vital values, in essence, is question of educational activity quality and success of students’ social and psychological adaptation to training conditions in the higher education institution. Students estimate vital values from the point of view of the personal requirements, the purposes and attitudes for this concrete moment, without speaking about reproductive plans and desires to bring benefit to people. In this case, the motive of achievements is dominating (pragmatic) among the students; their activity is directed, first of all, on receiving the end result at certain level and for them this result is shown as the vital strategic plan. Applications/Improvements: the conducted sociological research and the analysis of the received results allowed proving theoretically the need for purposeful systematic work with the youth to form and develop of their vital values.