Changes in subject-object orientations among psychology students during university instruction

Abstract

Subject-object orientations are frequently studied within various aspects of human behavior, yet their changes over time remain underexplored. This study aimed to examine the development of subject-object orientations among psychology students during their academic progression. To achieve this, an empirical study was conducted using the Questionnaire of Life Orientations (OGE) by E. Yu. Korzhova. A longitudinal design was employed, assessing changes in students’ subject-object orientations across three time points: the first, second, and third years of study. The sample consisted of psychology students from the Institute of Psychology at Herzen University. Initially, 46 first-year students (39 female, 7 male) participated, with 40 third-year students (35 female, 5 male) completing the study. Mathematical and statistical analysis was performed using Friedman ANOVA, Wilcoxon test, and Fisher’s angular transformation. The results revealed that the trend for an active mindset was stable over the years, while the transsituational locus of control increased each year with a decrease in creativity. In the first year, the most prevalent subject-object orientation was the ‘Converter’ type, characterized by anxiety, a desire to solve problems actively, and a tendency to adapt to situations rather than people. By the third year, the predominant orientation shifted toward the ‘User’ type, which is marked by a pragmatic outlook, limited emotional range, and a focus on personal enjoyment. Interestingly, students who were identified as ‘User’ in the first year predominantly transitioned to the ‘Converter’ type by the third year. Students initially classified as ‘Consumer’ mostly evolved into the ‘Harmonizer’ type by the third year. In contrast, those who were ‘Harmonizers’ in their first year showed greater consistency in maintaining this orientation over time. Similarly, first-year ‘Converters’ showed the most stability in their orientation, although many shifted toward the ‘User’ type by the third year.