Dynamics of volitional qualities in self-development of university students

Abstract

In today's rapidly evolving society, where innovation is a key economic driver, specific qualities, such as volitional traits, have become indispensable for a successful professional life and the ability to cope with future uncertainties. Consequently, fostering volitional qualities-such as determination, perseverance, self-control, and resilience- is crucial for university students aiming to excel in a globally competitive environment. The study aims to assess the level of volitional qualities among undergraduate students using a self-assessment questionnaire. Data from 193 respondents were collected and analyzed using a quantitative research approach. In this study, we utilized the following psychodiagnostic methods: «Self-Assessment of Students' Volitional Qualities» by N.E. Stambulova, the «Questionnaire for Assessing Persistence» by E.P. Ilyin and E.K. Feshenko, and the «Self-Assessment of Willpower» by N.N. Obozov. Additionally, we employed mathematical data processing methods and the SPSS software. Results show that first-year students had moderate volitional qualities in self-control and decisiveness, while second-year students scored high in perseverance and decisiveness, and moderate in purposefulness and self-control. Third-year students had high scores in decisiveness and perseverance but moderate in self-control, while final year students scored high in purposefulness, perseverance, and self-control, but moderate in decisiveness. A positive and significant relationship was found between factors of volitional qualities and self-development. The study concludes that enhancing volitional qualities among university students will prepare them for future challenges in work and life.