PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDENT LIFE AND THEIR IMPACT ON CAREER ORIENTATION

This article explores the psychological characteristics of student life and their impact on career orientation, focusing on the transitional period of higher education. Drawing on theories of developmental psychology and motivation (Maslow, 1943; Erikson, 1968; Deci & Ryan, 2000), as well as empirical studies in Uzbekistan and internationally, the research highlights how stress, identity formation, autonomy, and social influences shape students’ professional decisions. Findings show that while external factors such as parental expectations and societal norms play a role, intrinsic motivation and personal growth are the most significant predictors of sustainable career orientation.