PSYCHOSOCIAL RISKS IN THE PROFESSION OF PSYCHOLOGIST
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The given topic focuses on the issue of psychosocial risks in the profession of psychologist, while it proceeds from the assumption that psychologists as experts in the field of mental health face specific forms of psychological burden. With regard to the nature of their work – constant contact with clients, work with emotionally demanding topics, ethical dilemmas and a high degree of responsibility – they are exposed to the risk of burnout syndrome, chronic stress, compassion fatigue or secondary traumatization. The article has as its aim systematically to map the most frequent sources of these risks, to point to their individual as well as organizational consequences, and at the same time to present possibilities how to prevent these negative phenomena effectively. The basis is theoretical analysis of available professional literature supplemented by empirical findings from the field of work psychology, clinical and counseling psychology. Attention is devoted also to protective factors, among which belong supervision, professional support, psychohygiene and self-care. The results emphasize the need of a systematic approach to the mental well-being of psychologists as a prerequisite of quality and ethical practice in helping professions.
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