(2025) Science and education, 2, 19-29. Odessa.

Larysa Zhuravlova,
Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Professor,
Professor at the Department of Psychology
Polissia National University,
7, Staryi Blvd., Zhytomyr, Ukraine,
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4020-7279

Vasyl Prontenko,
Candidate of Sciences in Physical Education and Sport, Associate Professor,
Head of the Department of Special Physical Training and Survival,
Korolyov Zhytomyr Military Institute,
22, Myru Avenue, Ukraine, Zhytomyr,
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2454-6190

Yurii Bobai,
master of the educational and Professional Program “Practical Psychology”
at the Department of Psychology Polissia National University
7, Staryi Blvd., Zhytomyr, Ukraine

SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

The relevance of the problem is determined by the increasing psycho-emotional burden on student youth, which is combined with the rapid pace of social change, the uncertainty of the socio-economic situation in the context of the war in Ukraine, and the prevalence of harmful habits. During this stage of life, a system of values and behavioral strategies is formed, which will determine attitudes toward one’s own health in adulthood. The study of psychological factors of a healthy lifestyle is essential for the development of targeted preventive and psychoeducational programs aimed at increasing the level of awareness and responsibility among young people for maintaining their own psychophysical well-being. The aim of the study: to identify socio-psychological factors that influence the formation of a healthy lifestyle in adolescence. We assumed that psychological factors, in particular an internal health locus of control, a high level of positive mental health, and the stability of mental health, positively correlate with indicators of physical health and the behavioral aspects of a healthy lifestyle among student youth. Research methods: the Psychophysical Health Assessment Questionnaire by O. I. Mikheienko; the Questionnaire on the Components and Orientation of Mental Health (K. A. Wallston, B. S. Wallston, & R. DeVellis, adapted by L. M. Karamushka et al.); the Positive Mental Health Scale (J. Lukat et al., adapted by L.M. Karamushka et al.); and the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form by C. Keyes, adapted into Ukrainian by E. L. Nosenko and A. H. Chetverik-Burchak. These instruments were used to diagnose structural components of mental health and the general indicator of an individual’s well-being.Results. The study of the health status of today’s youth indicates a relatively high level of physical health among most young men and women. The highest indicators relate to posture, muscular endurance, psycho-emotional activity, and immune system condition. We examined the relationships between physical indicators, psycho-emotional activity, mental and psychological health, and health locus of control. The results demonstrated that an internal locus of control, physical activity, absence of chronic diseases, and emotional stability are strongly associated with mental and psychological well-being. Gender differences were revealed in the structure of these relationships.

health, adolescence, lifestyle, health locus of control, mental health, emotional activity, stability of mental health

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