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Motivational readiness for professional self-realization: theoretical integration of regulatory models

https://doi.org/10.23947/2658-7165-2026-9-2-79-89

EDN: QWEPER

Abstract

Introduction. In the context of rapid digitalization, the spread of hybrid employment formats and the integration of artificial intelligence, the professional environment is undergoing fundamental changes. These processes form a context of high uncertainty, where traditional career scenarios lose effectiveness, and the individual's ability to navigate independently in the professional space comes to the fore. Despite the obvious relevance of the topic, existing psychological approaches consider motivational and regulatory mechanisms of self-realization in isolation, which creates a significant gap in understanding the dynamics of choosing behavior strategies. The lack of integrative models makes it difficult to explain how internal resources are transformed into readiness for action in the face of external constraints.

Objective. Theoretically substantiate the integrative model of motivational readiness, which synthesizes the "want-can-need" balance model and the theory of self-determination to describe the process of self-realization in conditions of uncertainty

Integrative model of motivational readiness: from comparative analysis to component structure. The points of integration of the "I want–I can–I must" model and the theory of self-determination are revealed. A four-component structure of motivational readiness is proposed, including motivational-semantic ("I want"," I need") and regulatory-instrumental blocks ("I can","decision-making"). The"need" component is differentiated as a continuum of forms of regulation – from external to integrated, which makes it possible to explain under what conditions external requirements become a resource, and not a barrier to self-realization.

Relationship of types of motivational readiness with self-realization strategies. Two types of motivational readiness are identified – autonomous and controlled-and their connection with self-realization strategies is theoretically justified.

Discussion. Integration of models makes it possible to move from describing static personality traits to analyzing the dynamic process of choosing strategies for self-realization. Differentiation of the "need" component explains the conditions under which external requirements become a resource, not a barrier. The key condition for productive self-realization is the quality of autonomous integration of external requirements in combination with the developed regulatory potential of the individual. The proposed model provides a theoretical basis for empirical research and development of psychological support programs for professional development in conditions of high autonomy and uncertainty.

About the Author

Vladislav A. Fedorov
Moscow University of Humanities and Technology – Moscow Institute of Architecture and Construction (MGTU-MASI)
Russian Federation

Vladislav Aleksandrovich Fedorov, Postgraduate Student, Psychological and Pedagogical Disciplines Department

32/11, Volgogradsky Prospekt, Moscow, 109316



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Review

For citations:


Fedorov V.A. Motivational readiness for professional self-realization: theoretical integration of regulatory models. Innovative science: psychology, pedagogy, defectology. 2026;9(2):79–89. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.23947/2658-7165-2026-9-2-79-89. EDN: QWEPER

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ISSN 2658-7165 (Online)

Innovative science: psychology, pedagogy, defectology

ISSN 2658-7165 (Online)

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