Professional deformation is a violation in the human psyche, when external factors regularly exert strong pressure, leading to the destruction of personal qualities and perception. In this article, we will discuss the main causes that cause occupational deformation, as well as take a closer look at this phenomenon, using examples from police officers, he alth care and education.
What is this
Professional deformation is a distortion of the personal structure that develops gradually. The main reason for the emergence of PDL (professional deformation of the personality) is the specificity and area of work. In this case, the violation leads to a change in all factors, such as behavior, communication, perception, characteristics, prioritization.
Causes of occurrence
According to statistics, PEPs are faced by people who have dedicated their lives to he althcare, military and public service, and pedagogy. Let's look at the main reasonscausing professional deformation of the personality:
- Firstly, the excessive workload and excessive demands from the authorities. The list also includes a heavy work schedule, the lack of days off and holidays, the need to take extra hours and perform tasks belonging to other employees.
- Secondly, no load and, accordingly, no abutments in the workplace. Excessive self-confidence, indiscipline, permissiveness lead to the development of PEP.
- Third, poor working conditions lead to irritability, nervousness and psychosis. The list includes low wages, lack of elementary conditions (bathroom, first aid kit), excessive demands, abuse of authority.
- Fourthly, the reluctance to visit the workplace. This can be caused by a lack of motivation, incompetence of an employee or superior, a stalemate.
- Fifth, the wrong choice of profession. As a rule, many employees simply do not understand either the specifics of the work or its features. Therefore, often a person encounters difficulties, makes mistakes.
Signs of professional deformation
Professional deformation is a period when a person loses all interest in his work activity. People call this phenomenon quite simply - professional burnout.
- Aggressive behavior. PEP leads to drastic changes in mood. On weekends, a person can smile, have fun and enjoy life, but during work break down because of everylittle things, raise your voice, and even lash out at other people.
- Apathy and depression. Any desire to engage in self-education, to increase their intellectual abilities, disappears. Gradually, the appearance of employees is also changing. Occupational deformation leads to the fact that a person ceases to take care of himself: wash and style his hair, take a shower, buy new clothes, apply makeup.
- Reduced efficiency and indifference. Mistakes occur, and the reputation and position of the firm suffer. Since PEP often occurs in people who work in difficult conditions directly with society, they lose control over the situation. Such people simply do not realize that their work can harm someone.
Let's give an example: due to the lack of working conditions, lower wages, layoffs, fines and an increase in overtime hours, a specialist can systematically be late for work, be rude to clients (patients, schoolchildren, subordinates).
Memo to the boss: how to prevent
Professional deformation is a mental state of a person, so the employer must understand that for the most part his actions can lead to cognitive distortion. It is important to carry out prevention so as not to cause disgust and hatred both for work and for the bosses themselves.
First of all, the leader must reconsider his behavior. Exceeding authority or, conversely, lack of discipline can lead to PEPs. It is also necessary to conduct a thorough analysis, which will tell youdo the employees have time to complete all the tasks or need to hire a few more professionals.
Don't forget the events too. Studies have proven that regular corporate events and competitions increase mood, have a motivating effect and unite the team.
How to deal with professional deformation on your own
A hostile environment can lead to the development of mental disorders, so it is important to take action at the first sign. First of all, take a short break - vacation or weekend at your own expense. Perhaps symptoms such as fatigue, irritability and apathy are just another overwork. At the same time, rest should be complete: you should not take days off to avoid professional deformation, but at the same time spend all your free time on household chores. Trust someone else to clean, cook, and build, or put things off until better times.
A person must understand why he starts to burn out. The main reason is the difficult working conditions. In the 21st century, there are many options that offer decent earnings and with better conditions. As a rule, many people cannot quit for one reason - self-doubt. Low self-esteem also affects the development of professional deformation, therefore, when conducting an analysis, you need to be as honest with yourself as possible.
Advice for he althcare professionals
Professional deformation of medical workers is a frequent phenomenon faced by psychologists. In particular, the PEP concerns those who work in surgery, intensive care, emergency care, oncology and the morgue. He alth workers are people who, against their will, pass all the stories of patients through themselves. Together with difficult working conditions and low wages, psychological destruction develops.
Prevention. Realize the simple truth that we are not capable of helping absolutely everyone and everyone. Therefore, is there any point in worrying and blaming yourself for the fact that medicine has not yet stepped forward enough to cure absolutely all diseases? And it is also necessary to understand that working 7 days a week for 13-17 hours a day is the right way to professional deformation. Learn to appreciate your work and the effort you put in to complete the tasks assigned to your colleagues by spending extra unpaid hours.
Tips for educators
Professional deformation of teachers, as well as he alth workers, is a fairly common phenomenon. And this is not surprising, because in Russia the work of specialists in the field of education and he althcare is not rewarded with decent pay. Teachers are often subjected to pressure from colleagues and superiors. All overtime hours are practically unpaid, and work rates increase every year.
Prevention. Do not abuse power if you are a more professional and experienced employee. You should not shift your work and assignments to younger teachers who are eager to teach and develop fragile children's minds. It is important to appreciate your work and realize that work for food and utility bills will sooner or later lead to the development of PEPs.
Tips for employeesPolice
Professional deformation of police officers has a negative impact on the work of both the entire department and the entire law enforcement system. The scientist P. Sorokin found that those persons who regularly interact with a large number of people are subject to professional burnout. The reason is simple: emotional glut occurs, where regular stressful situations lead to cognitive distortion. The main feature of this phenomenon is that professional deformation affects absolutely all law enforcement officers.
Prevention. It is not surprising that, due to the more rigid way in the workplace, the policeman eventually ceases to empathize, becomes more callous and aggressive. This leads to a decrease in motivation and energy, apathy appears. We need to learn how to develop professional immunity, which would allow us to respond more adequately to all conflict situations. Try to change the psychological climate in your department, and for this you need to constantly develop, improve your skills and strive for career growth.
Advice for penitentiary staff
Professional deformation of penitentiary officers in its structure is similar to the burnout of the police. However, first you need to figure out what we are talking about. The penal system is a penitentiary system, which includes employees of pre-trial detention centers, judicial bodies and other state organizations.
Prevention. It is important that employees strictly follow the Labor Code and are aware of their rights,responsibility and responsibilities in the workplace. At the same time, as in the police, they must develop professional immunity. But management also plays an important role in this. They must motivate their employees, while being competent, fair.
In conclusion
Each person, in order to avoid the development of professional deformation of the personality, must be aware that his attitude to work will further affect his mental state. It is important to understand what tasks are entrusted to his shoulders, and strictly follow these foundations. At the same time, always be ready for change and be aware that slavery was abolished a long time ago and it is wrong to work only for food.
Perform regular prophylaxis - at least 2-4 times a year. Namely: do not forget about self-development, visit spiritual and cultural centers, do not overwork and give yourself the opportunity to rest, be both strict and kind to yourself at the same time. Realize as a person and develop. Direct your energy to those areas of life that bring you even the slightest joy. To do this, you can read books, do not forget about your he alth, give up unnecessary things, be able to say "no" and improve your skills. Otherwise, professional deformation will become a real problem for you, preventing you from leading a full life.
