PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SELF-CONFIDENCE IN ADOLESCENCE AND EARLY ADULTHOOD

Abstract

This article presents a theoretical analysis of the concept of “self-confidence.” It has been established that in the foreign psychological tradition, self-confidence is viewed through the prism of the concept of basic trust, the behavioral approach, and humanistic psychology, whereas domestic researchers interpret it as an integrative quality of personality that reflects an awareness of one’s own capabilities and a readiness for independent action. It has been determined that self-confidence is a multidimensional integrative construct characterized by openness in expressing feelings, consistency between internal experiences and external behavior, a tendency toward improvisation, and flexibility. Its triadic structure is characterized, encompassing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components through which regulatory and cognitive functions are realized. The features of self-confidence formation in accordance with the patterns of age-related development in ontogenesis are outlined. It has been established that adolescence is a sensitive stage for the formation of this quality, since self-awareness develops intensively and the “self-concept” is formed during this period. The study identifies internal factors contributing to its formation-namely, reflection, optimism, and autonomy-as well as external factors related to the influence of socialization institutions. It was found that adolescents perceive self-confidence primarily through self-assertion, and its manifestations are situational and impulsive in nature. Adolescence is characterized as a stage of personal affirmation of self-confidence, when it acquires a conscious and structured nature. It is noted that the contradictory nature of psychological development during this period can lead to insecurity. A four-component structure of adolescents’ confidence has been identified: motivational-goal, cognitive, emotional-evaluative, and behavioral components; specific factors in its formation have been outlined, including processes of self-awareness and reflection, internal locus of control, adequate self-esteem, as well as the influence of social institutions. In light of this, a comparative analysis of the psychological characteristics of the manifestation of self-confidence at these age stages was conducted, which made it possible to trace the dynamics of its transformation