On February 2-3, 2025, Khazar University Psychology Department staff members Malak Karimova and Mirsadiq Mukhtarov presented their research titled "Analysis of Psychological Symptom Indicators by Gender in First-Year University Students" at the 9th International Marmara Scientific Research and Innovation Congress organized by the International Science and Art Research Center (ISARC) in Istanbul.

They presented findings from their research conducted on 204 first-year students who had newly enrolled in the university. During the presentation, it was noted that students beginning their university education face various challenges both academically and socio-emotionally. The experts emphasized that unlike previous educational stages, students carry more responsibility upon entering university and face several psychological challenges during their adaptation to independent life. These changes may affect their psychological state and increase adaptation difficulties.

According to the research results, female students demonstrated significantly higher psychological symptoms compared to males. This indicates that they experience more psychological difficulties during their transition to university, which negatively impacts their overall adaptation ability. Additionally, findings highlighted that academic expectations and standards would serve as additional sources of stress for students.

The presentation was well-received by participants and reinforced the need for more in-depth research in evaluating the psychological state of university students.