The problem of professional deformation and the study of adaptive strategies for overcoming difficulties among specialists in psychological services

Abstract

The article analyzes the problem of professional deformation in specialists of psychological services and the study of adaptive coping, which helps to cope with difficulties at work. The subject of the study is psychological phenomena arising in the process of professional activity of specialists of psychological service, including the process of professional deformation. Psychologists and defectologists working in general education and special organizations, students of universities specializing in “Psychology”, participated in the study. In the empirical study, the questionnaire “Ways of Coping Questionnaire” (R. Lazarus, S. Folkman, WCQ) was used, which was aimed at identifying ways of overcoming difficulties, coping strategies of the individual in various areas of psychological activity. Thus, within the framework of this study, the problem areas of specialists providing psychological services related to professional deformation and its key factors, as well as coping strategies adapted to overcoming difficulties, are indicated. The correlations between the coping strategies of the participants according to age and length of service were compared, with the main priority being the correlations obtained according to length of service. To process the obtained data, correlation analysis was carried out based on Spearman's correlation coefficient calculation methods, “multiple regression”, and “factor analysis”.  As an additional procedure for testing the reliability of the study, Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was calculated.

The results showed the presence of adaptive coping strategies that promote professional adaptation and stress management. The conducted research allowed for the development and substantiation of innovative approaches to the prevention of professional deformation of specialists working in institutions of special and inclusive education. The results obtained are of an applied nature and can be practically implemented in the system of psychoprophylactic and organizational-psychological support for a specialist.