The future in the structure of the subjective image of a student professional life

Abstract

Introduction. Modern concepts of education are based on the principles of anticipation, determination of the present by the future (advanced education, Life Long Learning). The same pattern applies to the personality of both the subject of life in general and professional life in particular. Aim. Based on the theoretical and methodological analysis, identification and empirical research of the psychological characteristics of the future, the present research aims to consider the future as a personal construct in the structure of the subjective image of professional life. Methodology and research methods. The key methodological approaches are the subjective approach and the theoretical and methodological foundations for using the synergetic approach to study the psyche, mental phenomena and processes. The study employs survey methods; the methods of mathematical and statistical data processing: comparative analysis and factor analysis were carried out using the IBM SPSS Statistics v.20 program. Results. Based on theoretical ideas about time modes, time perspective, psychological characteristics of organisation and perception of time, as well as the results of an analysis of the works of foreign and Russian authors, a structural-functional model of the subjective image of professional life is proposed, including four blocks: a block of retrospection, a block of regulation of actual activity, a prognostic block, and a transspective block. Scientific novelty. The use of a subjective and synergetic approach to modelling the image of the professional future is justified. A structural-functional model of the image of the professional future is proposed, including invariants that represent a formal and meaningful representation of the temporal modes of the past, present and future and a mechanism for comparing the current state with the desired (“needed future”). Practical significance. The presented structural-functional model of the subjective image of professional life can serve as the basis for the development of a subject-oriented approach to professional guidance and support of professional development at the stage of choosing a profession and professional training with practical means of constructing a professional future.