PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MOTIVATION AND PROFESSIONAL INTEREST IN MEDICAL STUDENTS AT TASHKENT STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Background: The formation of sustainable motivation for professional activity is a critical task in medical education, directly influencing the quality of future healthcare. In the context of the ongoing reforms in the healthcare system of the Republic of Uzbekistan, understanding the motivational structure of students at Tashkent State Medical University (TSMU) is of particular importance.

Aim: To identify and analyze the psychological characteristics and structure of motivation for professional activity among future doctors studying at Tashkent State Medical University.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 320 students from the 2nd to 5th years of the Faculty of General Medicine at TSMU. The diagnostic complex included: "The Motivation of Professional Activity" method (K. Zamfir in modification by A. Rean), "The Scale of Academic Motivation" (T.O. Gordeeva et al.), and a specially designed questionnaire to assess factors influencing the choice of profession. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0.

Results: The study revealed a polymotivational structure. The leading motives were cognitive (interest in medical science - 78%) and altruistic-humanistic (desire to help people - 82%). However, a significant proportion of students demonstrated pronounced pragmatic motives, such as the prestige of the profession (65%) and financial stability (58%). A correlation was found between the year of study and the dynamics of motivation: senior students showed an increase in "internal" motivation associated with clinical practice and a decrease in "external" positive motivation based solely on academic success. Key demotivating factors were identified as academic overload (45%), uncertainty about future employment conditions (40%), and emotional burnout in initial clinical contact.

Conclusion: The motivation of TSMU students is characterized by a complex interplay of internal (cognitive, altruistic) and external (pragmatic) motives. The findings necessitate the development of a comprehensive psychological and pedagogical program at the university level aimed at strengthening internal motivation through early clinical immersion, mentorship programs, and psychological support to prevent burnout, thereby contributing to the training of highly qualified and dedicated medical specialists for the healthcare system of Uzbekistan.

KEYWORDS:

medical education, motivation, professional development, psychology, Tashkent State Medical University, internal and external motives, burnout.