ADAPTIVE TRANSFORMATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DEFENSE IN HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS

The article is dedicated to studying the adaptive transformation process of psychological defense mechanisms in higher education students. One of the pressing issues in contemporary psychology is the development of individuals ready to tackle various social and professional challenges. The necessity for scientific developments in this field is driven by socio-economic changes and increased demands on specialists. The study emphasizes the crisis nature of adolescence, complicated by the educational process's specific features, such as financial and living instability, uncertain social status, intensive mental work, and periodic exam stresses. Based on theoretical and empirical data, it is determined that psychological defense is a set of automatic mental processes that help individuals avoid or reduce stress and maintain mental equilibrium.The study's results indicate differences in the use of psychological defense mechanisms among students with varying levels of adaptability: highly adaptable students tend to use repression more often, while less adaptable students resort to projection. These findings can inform the development of psychological support programs aimed at enhancing adaptation effectiveness, emotional competence, and stress-coping skills in higher education students. Understanding psychological defense mechanisms is essential for mental health professionals and individuals seeking to better understand themselves and their reactions to various life situations.