THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DEFENSE IN THE OCCURRENCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF PROFESSIONAL DEFORMATIONS OF PRACTICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Abstract

In article analyses the problem of psychological defense and coping mechanisms as the most important forms of adaptation processes in the professional activity of the practical psychologist. Psychological defense in the aspect of personality psychologist-professional is considered as an important component of socialization and individualization in the profession, as a factor in the existence of subjective activity, which, on the one hand, provides stress relief, prevents disruption of the conduct of a psychologist in a situation, when occurrence of the external or internal contradictions; and, on the other hand, the intensive use of the same psychological defense leads to the formation of behavioral stereotypes, distortion of the nature of the subject, decreased frustration tolerance, development of professional deformations and destructions. Notes the need of knowledge of the features of protective behaviors for optimize the professional activities of psychologists. In the article are described the results of the experimental psychological research of integrated system of practical psychologists’ psychological defenses, unconscious mechanisms and conscious strategies of coping behavior. The ratios of coping reactions and unconscious defense mechanisms in the structure of psychological adaptation of personality are reviewed and analyzed. The unproductive behavioral strategies that lead to maladjustment and occurrence of professional practical psychologists deformations are determined.

Keywords: psychological defense, protective mechanisms of the psyche, coping behavior, professional activity, professional deformations

Accepted: 12.05.2015

Reviewed: 26.05.2015

Published: 07.07.2015