PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF STUDENTS: THE VOLUNTEER APPROACH

The article focuses on examining the impact of volunteer activities on the psychological well-being of students in higher education. The theoretical framework is based on Carol Ryff's model of psychological well-being, which includes autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relationships, life purpose, and self-acceptance.The study involved 425 students from the South Kazakhstan University named after M. Auezov. Their psychological well-being was measured using Ryff's scale. Additionally, for a more in-depth analysis, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 student volunteers. These interviews provided insights into their subjective experiences of participating in volunteer activities and their perception of volunteering as a factor influencing psychological well-being.The results confirmed a significant positive impact of volunteer activities on cognitive functions, stress reduction, strengthening social connections, and increasing student motivation. The study highlights the importance of integrating volunteer programs into the educational process as an effective way to enhance students' quality of life and their adaptation to the social environment.