Deformation of Properties of Identity System in the Process of Professional Burnout in Specialists of the Deontological Profile

Abstract

According to the system approach, a person is considered as a multidimensional self-developing system, while identity is a reflection in the personality consciousness of its individual "dimensions". Being an element of self-consciousness, individual identities, in turn, are organized into a system reflecting the holistic view of the personality about itself, i.e. Me-concept. Professional activity is one of the most important areas of life. At the level of self-awareness, the attitude towards one’s profession and oneself as a professional is reflected in professional identity. Professional identity begins to form at the stage of vocational education and is often maintained even after retirement. Any significant contradictions that arise during the professionalization are reflected in one’s identity. The research features the changes that arise in the system of identity of the individual in the process of its professional burnout. The results of the empirical study of professional burnout of doctors substantiate the changes in the properties of the identity system, expressed in the increase of diffuse and predetermined identity. It also affects its structure and reduces the importance of professional, communicative and reflexive identity, as well as the structural deformation of the professional identity. The work with self-consciousness and identity is an important component of prevention and correction of professional burnout.