PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF CADETS’ MOTIVATION TO ENTER THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF THE STATE BORDER GUARD SERVICE OF UKRAINE

Abstract

This article investigates the specific features of cadets’ motivation to enter higher education institutions specialising in border security in the context of contemporary security challenges, which are caused by the transformation of the nature of military threats and the increasing demands on the professional training of officers of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. The structure of the motivational sphere of future border guard officers has been analysed, and the dominant groups of motives have been identified, amongst which social motives and those related to the content of future professional activities occupy a leading position. It has been determined that cognitive, material and, to some extent, creative motives are also significant, manifesting themselves in different ways among various categories of cadets. Particular attention has been paid to identifying the level of awareness regarding career choices. The study revealed the presence of partially unconscious motivation, reflected in the discrepancy between expectations and actual learning conditions, an overestimation of one’s own abilities, and doubts regarding the correctness of the chosen career path. It has been proven that such features of the motivational sphere are determined by both socio-psychological factors and the applicants’ lack of awareness regarding the specifics of their future service.

The need for a comprehensive approach to the psychological assessment of motivation and systematic psychological support for cadets during their professional development has been determined. Practical recommendations have been put forward for improving career guidance, raising awareness of career choices and fostering intrinsic motivation for service.

It has been determined that the effectiveness of shaping the motivational framework of future border guard officers depends directly on the quality of the initial professional selection process, the organisation of the educational process, and the systematic provision of psychological support throughout the entire period of training. The results obtained can be used to improve personnel training mechanisms within the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and to enhance their readiness to perform tasks in the field of national security.