THE INFLUENCE OF CHARACTER ON THE LEARNING AND BEHAVIORAL ACTIVITY OF SCHOOL AND STUDENT YOUTH
Author (s): Yermak S., Hetta V.
Work place:
Yermak S.,
PhD in Pedagogical Science, Associate Professor,
Director of Institute for Professional Development,
Penitentiary Academy of Ukraine
(34 Honcha Street, Chernihiv, 14000, Ukraine,
e-mail: yermak@pau.edu.ua)
ORCID: 0000-0002-5069-1001
ResearcherID: JAK-9972-2023
Hetta V.,
PhD in Pedagogy, Professor, Professor of the
Department of Technological Еducation and Informatics,
Taras Shevchenko National University “Chernihiv Collegium”
(53 Hetmana Polubotka Street, Chernihiv, 14013, Ukraine,
e-mail: gettavasil@gmail.com)
ORCID: 0000-0003-3057-9976
Language: Ukrainian
Scientific Herald of Sivershchyna. Series: Education. Social and Behavioural Sciences 2026. № 2(17): 44–61
https://doi.org/10.32755/sjeducation.2026.02.044
Character is a set of stable individual psychological traits of a person that are manifested in typical patterns of behavior and attitudes toward other people, work, oneself, and the surrounding world. In other words, character reflects how a person acts, makes decisions, responds to difficulties, and interacts with others.
Recent events such as the pandemic, the transition to distance learning, living under constant air raid alerts, military actions, and prolonged power outages have significantly affected the stability of the educational process and have increased anxiety, uncertainty about the future, and other psychological challenges.
The article focuses on identifying the relationship between character, learning, development, and upbringing, as well as on the role of the teacher in implementing this relationship.
The authors argue that despite the influence of heredity on character, it can and should be developed and, in some cases, adjusted in accordance with the demands of the time, society, and the needs of the individual.
According to the authors, the hierarchy of factors proposed in the article that positively influence the educational and behavioral activities of pupils and students will have practical significance both in the learning process and in educational and upbringing work within educational institutions.
Thus, the period of youth is critically important for the formation and development of personality. During this time, pupils experience physiological processes related to health and intellectual development. The character of young people is highly plastic and undergoes changes under the influence of harmonious development and social factors.
Students also experience a transition from the regulated school system to a significantly greater degree of independence in learning. This independence is closely connected with individual psychological characteristics of personality, among which character occupies a central place. Consequently, both pupils and students face difficulties related to learning and behavior. Research shows that overcoming these problems largely depends on the level of character formation. This approach has proven to be relevant and productive. The interconnection between character, personality development, and the formation of volitional qualities positively influences both the educational and behavioral activities of pupils and students.
Key words: character, educational and behavioral activity, deviant behavior, hierarchy.
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