The Problem of Youth Development in Modern Conditions: Thematic Issue of the Journal "Modern Foreign Psychology"

The first thematic issue of 2026 of the journal "Modern Foreign Psychology" is dedicated to the problem of youth development in modern conditions, exploring it through the lens of resources and risks that determine personality formation in conditions of social uncertainty and the transformation of life contexts.

The "Social Psychology" section features articles analyzing the influence of modern social environments and processes on youth development. The section opens with a review dedicated to the phenomenon of fandoms as a new form of socialization in digital space. This is followed by a work examining social identity as a factor in youth attitudes towards cross-country integration, demonstrating its dual role as both a resource and a barrier to intergroup interaction. Special attention is paid to the issue of psychological separation of youth from parents, which in modern research is considered a multidimensional process linked to the balance of autonomy and the preservation of meaningful relationships.

The "Developmental Psychology and Age Psychology" section explores resources for positive development, particularly prosocial behavior in schoolchildren as a crucial mechanism of socialization that contributes to the formation of social competence and the reduction of aggressive manifestations.

A significant part of the issue is dedicated to the problem of psychological well-being of students. The "Educational Psychology and Pedagogical Psychology" section presents a review of support systems for psychological well-being in universities, emphasizing the need for a shift towards proactive and preventive models of support. This block is complemented by a systematic review of factors contributing to student well-being, highlighting key personal, social, and institutional determinants, including social support, sense of belonging, and eudaimonic well-being.

The "Medical Psychology" section presents a review of international longitudinal studies on self-harming behavior as a significant factor of suicide risk. The article emphasizes the prevalence of self-harm during adolescence and young adulthood, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and preventive programs.

This thematic issue demonstrates that youth development is a complex and multidimensional process in which social, cultural, and individual psychological factors are closely intertwined. The presented research allows us to see how modern conditions simultaneously create new opportunities for self-realization and increase risks associated with changes in social institutions and life trajectories.

The first issue of the journal for 2026 is published on the PsyJournals.ru portal.