INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGICAL PARTICULARITIES OF PSYCHOLOGISTS’ STRESS RESISTANCE

Abstract

Abstract. The article’s purpose is to study particularities of practicing psychologists’ stress resistance. Research methodology relies on theoretical analysis of relevant scientific literature, comparison, systematization and generalization of obtained data, interpretation of available theoretical approaches to the issue concerned, and empirical use of a complex of psychodiagnostic tools: to study the mental stress level, it was used the Neuropsychic Stress Index by T.A Nemchin and Maslach Burnout Inventory by C. Maslach & S. Jackson; to diagnose stress resistance – Ways of Coping Questionary by R. Lazarus & S. Folkman, Optimism and Activity Scale by N. Vodopianova & M. Shtein, and Emotional Intelligence by D. Hall; methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis of empirical data (correlation analysis, grouping by a certain feature, and profile method). The scientific novelty is that, using the analysis of scientific literature and the findings of empirical research, a study of the stress resistance of practicing psychologists and their choice of appropriate coping strategies for stress was carried out. Conclusions. Correlation analysis allowed analyzing the relationship between neuropsychological stress and coping strategies. The author worked with groups with a particular level of nervous tension and diagnosed dominant coping strategies they apply depending on stress level. Thus, a group of practicing psychologists with a high level of psychological stress were apt for employing the following strategies of coping behavior: confrontational coping, distancing, self-control, and escape-avoidance. A group of practicing psychologists with a low level of psychological stress showed tendencies for such coping strategies as search for social support, admission of responsibility, planning, and positive reframing.