Professional deformation is a violation in the human psyche when external factors regularly exert extreme pressure, leading to the destruction of personal qualities and perceptions. In this article, we will talk about the main reasons that cause professional deformation, and also take a closer look at this phenomenon using examples from police, health and education staff.
What it is
Professional deformation is a distortion of the personality structure that develops gradually. The main reason for the appearance of PDL (professional personality deformation) is the specificity and area of work. Moreover, the violation leads to a change in all factors, such as behavior, communication, perception, characteristics, prioritization.
Causes of occurrence
According to statistics, PDL is faced by people who have dedicated their lives to healthcare, military and public service, and pedagogy. Let's look at the main reasons that cause professional deformation of a person:
- Firstly, excessive workload and excessive demands from the authorities. The list also includes a heavy work schedule, lack of days off and holidays, the need to take extra hours and complete tasks belonging to other employees.
- Secondly, the lack of load and, accordingly, no foundations in the workplace. Excessive self-confidence, lack of discipline, permissiveness lead to the development of PDL.
- Thirdly, poor working conditions lead to irritability, nervousness and psychosis. The list includes a small salary, lack of basic conditions (bathroom, first-aid kit), excessive requirements, abuse of authority.
- Fourth, reluctance to attend the workplace. This may be caused by a lack of motivation, incompetence of an employee or superiors, and a hopeless situation.
- Fifth, the wrong choice of profession. As a rule, many employees simply do not understand the specifics of the work, nor its features. Therefore, often a person encounters difficulties, makes mistakes.
Signs of occupational deformation
Professional deformation is a period when a person loses all interest in his labor activity. The people call this phenomenon quite simply - professional burnout.
- Aggressive behavior. PDL leads to dramatic changes in mood. On weekends, a person can smile, have fun and enjoy life, but during work break down because of every little thing, raise his voice and even pounce on other people.
- Apathy and depression. Any desire to engage in self-education, to improve their intellectual abilities disappears. The appearance of employees is also gradually changing. Professional 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.
- Decrease in working capacity and indifference. Errors appear, which affects both the reputation and position of the company. Since PDL 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.
Here is an example: due to the lack of working conditions, lower wages, reduced staff, fines and increased extracurricular hours, a specialist can systematically be late for work, be rude to clients (patients, schoolchildren, subordinates).
Memo to the boss: how to prevent
Vocational deformation is a person’s mental state, so the employer must understand that for the most part, his actions can lead to cognitive distortion. It is important to carry out prophylaxis so as not to cause disgust and hatred both for work and for the bosses themselves.
First of all, the leader should review his behavior. Excess of authority or, conversely, lack of discipline can lead to PEP. You also need to conduct a thorough analysis, which will tell you whether the employees have time to complete all the tasks or if you need to hire a few more professionals.
Do not forget about the events. Studies have shown that regular corporate events and competitions increase mood, have a motivating effect and rally the team.
How to deal with occupational deformation on your own
An aggressive environment can lead to the development of mental disorders, therefore, at the first sign it is important to take action. 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. The rest should be full: you should not take a weekend to avoid occupational deformation, but at the same time spend all your free time on household chores. Entrust cleaning, cooking and construction to someone else, or put things off until better times.
A person must understand why he begins to burn out. The main reason is difficult working conditions. In the 21st century, there are many options that offer decent earnings and with better conditions. As a rule, many cannot quit for one reason - self-doubt. Low self-esteem also affects the development of occupational deformation, therefore, when analyzing, you need to be as honest as possible with yourself.
Tips for healthcare providers
The professional deformation of health workers is a common phenomenon that psychologists encounter. In particular, PDL applies to those who work in surgery, intensive care, ambulance, oncology and morgue. Paramedics are people who, not of their own free will, pass all patient stories through themselves. Along with difficult working conditions and low wages, psychological destruction is developing.
Prevention Realize the simple truth that we are not able to help absolutely everyone and everyone. Therefore, does it make sense to worry and blame yourself for the fact that medicine has not stepped forward so far as to cure absolutely all diseases? 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 efforts that you make to fulfill the tasks assigned to your colleagues, spending extra unpaid hours.
Tips for educators
The professional deformation of teachers, as well as that of health workers, is a fairly frequent phenomenon. And this is not surprising, because in Russia the work of specialists in the field of education and healthcare is not rewarded with decent pay. Teachers are often subjected to pressure from colleagues and superiors. All after-hours hours are practically not paid, and working standards increase every year.
Prevention Do not abuse power if you are a more professional and experienced employee. Do not shift your work and tasks to younger teachers who are eager to learn and develop immature children's minds. It is important to value your work and realize that work for food and utility bills will sooner or later lead to the development of PEP.
Tips for police officers
The professional deformation of police officers negatively affects the work of both the entire department and the entire law enforcement system. Scientist P. Sorokin found that those who regularly interact with a large number of people are subject to professional burnout. The reason is simple: emotional oversaturation occurs, where regular stressful situations lead to cognitive distortion. The main feature of this phenomenon is that occupational deformation affects absolutely all law enforcement officials.
Prevention It is not surprising that due to a tougher way of working in the workplace, the policeman ceases to empathize over time, becoming more callous and aggressive. This leads to a decrease in motivation and energy, apathy appears. We need to learn how to develop professional immunity that would allow us to adequately respond 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.
Tips for UIS staff
The professional deformation of the penal system is similar in structure to burnout among police officers. However, first you need to figure out who it is. The penal system is a penal system, which includes employees of pre-trial detention centers, judicial authorities, and other government organizations.
Prevention It is important that employees strictly abide by the Labor Code and are aware of their rights, responsibilities and duties in the workplace. At the same time, as in the police, they must develop professional immunity. But the bosses play an important role in this. They must motivate their employees, while being competent, fair.
Finally
Each person, in order to avoid the development of professional deformation of the individual, must be aware that his attitude to work will subsequently affect his mental state. It is important to understand what tasks are entrusted to his shoulders and to strictly follow these principles. At the same time, always be prepared for changes and realize that slavery was abolished long ago and working just for food is wrong.
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 relax, be both strict and kind to yourself. Realize yourself 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 health, refuse unnecessary things, be able to say no and improve your skills. Otherwise, professional deformation will become a real problem for you, preventing you from living a full life.