Psychological and pedagogical factors in the formation of cadets' motivation for physical self-improvement in higher military educational institutions: current state and prospects, ПСИХОЛОГО-ПЕДАГОГІЧНІ ЧИННИКИ ФОРМУВАННЯ МОТИВАЦІЇ КУРСАНТІВ ДО ФІЗИЧНОГО ВДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ У ВВНЗ: СУЧАСНИЙ СТАН ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ

<jats:p>The article examines the psychological and pedagogical factors influencing the formation of cadets' motivation for physical self-improvement within the system of higher military education in Ukraine. The relevance of the study is determined by the ongoing transformation of military education under martial law, the increasing requirements for the professional competence of future officers, and the necessity of ensuring a high level of physical, psychological, and functional readiness of military personnel to perform combat and service-related tasks under modern conditions. The paper analyzes contemporary scientific approaches to the development of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for physical training, highlighting the importance of professional orientation, pedagogical support, psychological guidance, value-based attitudes, and personal self-realization in the process of physical self-improvement. It is established that the effectiveness of physical training depends not only on the level of physical fitness but also on the formation of sustainable motivation for regular physical activity, readiness for continuous self-development, self-discipline, and awareness of the importance of physical preparedness as an essential component of an officer's professional competence and combat effectiveness. Particular attention is paid to the implementation of innovative pedagogical technologies, digital tools for monitoring physical activity, individualized training programs, competency-based learning, functional fitness methods, military-applied exercises, and psychological training aimed at developing stress resilience, emotional stability, self-regulation skills, and the ability to perform effectively under conditions of prolonged physical and psychological stress. The necessity of integrating physical, psychological, and professional training into a unified system of military education is substantiated, allowing future officers to develop comprehensive readiness for professional activity and continuous self-improvement throughout their military careers. The study identifies priority directions for improving motivational support in cadets' physical training, including the implementation of a competency-based approach, wider application of digital monitoring technologies, enhancement of assessment methods for physical preparedness, individualization of educational and training programs, strengthening the pedagogical role of instructors, and the creation of a modern educational environment focused on professional, physical, and personal development. Such an environment promotes the development of intrinsic motivation, responsibility for one's own physical condition, and a positive attitude toward lifelong physical self-improvement. It is concluded that the comprehensive implementation of psychological, pedagogical, organizational, and technological approaches will significantly improve the quality of physical training, increase cadets' motivation for systematic physical self-improvement, strengthen their professional readiness, resilience, and adaptability, and ultimately enhance the effectiveness of training future officers for service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine under contemporary security challenges.</jats:p>