Developing the motivational component in the structure of attitudes toward valeological activities among students

Abstract

The preservation and enhancement of human health depend significantly on an individual's attitude toward valeological activities. This attitude comprises cognitive, procedural, and motivational competencies, with motivation being crucial for health-preserving behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal dynamics of motivational development in valeological activities among students enrolled in the Department of Physical Culture and Sports. Materials and methods. The research involved 115 students from three universities in the Ural and Siberian Federal Districts of Russia. All students pursued studies in physical education and underwent purposeful formation of attitudes toward valeological activities over the course of their studies, spanning from the first to the third year. A comprehensive methodology was used to assess the level of the students' attitude for valeological activity motivational component. It included the determination of two indicators – the level of an individual valeological position formation using a questionnaire and the index of attitude to health using a special test. Results. It was found that at the beginning of the research project, the students registered mainly a reproductive type of attitude for health-saving activities according to the level of an individual valeological position formation. It refers to a low level of attitude and corresponds to the previous state of knowledge, skills and abilities that students had at school. Students' personal attitude to valeological activity manifests itself without positive motivation to promote health, including through the use of physical activity. During the second year of study, it increases to 36.5% for students with a reproductive and creative (average) level, and 5.0% have a creative (highest) level of attitude for health preservation. Students begin having a positive motivation for valeological activity. In the 3rd year of study, students register even more positive changes towards an increase to 38.9% in the number of students with a creative (higher) level of valeological personal position. The motives of self-improvement and self-realization are noted. The analysis of the values of the indicator for assessing the level of formation of the valeological individual position confirmed its identity with the results of the study "index of attitude to individual health". Conclusions. The obtained results of motivation for valeological activity formation among students during their studies at the Department of Physical Culture should be taken into account when planning the content of this discipline for all university students, regardless of the directions of their professional training.