Dynamics of Professional Self-Identity in Psychology Students

Professional self-identity is crucial for professional development. Despite a considerable body of research in this area, the dynamics of professional self-identity during university training remain understudied. This study examined the development of professional self-identity in 41 first- and fourth-year students majoring in psychology and sociology at Kemerovo State University. The results of the Identity Structure Questionnaire and the repertory grid technique were processed using the Mann–Whitney U test in Statistica 10. The repertory grid technique made it possible to expand the psychological understanding of professional self-identity development. Between the first and fourth years of study, the levels of individualization, differentiation, meaningfulness, and realism increased, accompanied by signs of crisis and temporal inconsistency. However, these patterns of professional self-identity development require further empirical verification.