Coping Behavior of School Graduates as a Condition for Overcoming the Difficulties of the Situation of Self-Determination

Aim. The purpose of this work is to study the coping behavior of school graduates in a situation of self-determination. Methodology. The study was conducted on the basis of Moscow schools with the participation of 192 graduating students aged 16–17 years. The methods used were «Ways to overcome critical situations» (E. Heim), «Coping behavior in stressful situations» (N. Endler, J. Parker, etc.), the Dembo-Rubinstein method (A. M. Parishioners), «Thinking about the meaning of life» (H. Niemi), the test «SOHO» by D. A. Leontiev. The statistical analysis software package (SPSS 21.0) and various statistical processing methods were used. Results. It is established that the coping behavior of school graduates acts as a way to resolve certain problems of self-determination. The positive perspective of coping is determined by its diversity and breadth of repertoire, activity, and focus on problem-sensitive areas of graduates' relationships to themselves and the world. Research implications. Scientific ideas about the peculiarities of coping behavior of school graduates in a situation of self-determination are expanding. The results of the study can be used in programs of psychological and pedagogical support in this period.