PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS DURING TIMES OF WAR IN UKRAINE: THE ROLE OF SELF-EFFICACY IN MANAGING BURNOUT AND ENHANCING WELL-BEING
Abstract
Psychologists-counselors working in conditions of prolonged armed conflict are exposed to persistent professional stress, which increases the risk of burnout and undermines subjective well-being. The present study examines the relationships between burnout, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction among psychologists-counselors providing psychological support during the ongoing war in Ukraine. A sample of 196 counselors completed standardized measures assessing emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment, general self-efficacy, occupational self-efficacy, and life satisfaction. The results revealed significant negative associations between burnout indicators and life satisfaction. Moderation analyses demonstrated that self-efficacy plays a complex role in these relationships. General self-efficacy showed a moderating effect in the association between depersonalization and life satisfaction, whereas occupational self-efficacy functioned as a protective factor, attenuating the negative impact of depersonalization on subjective well-being. Structural equation modeling confirmed the robustness of the proposed moderation models. The findings highlight the differentiated contributions of general and professional self-efficacy to psychological well-being under conditions of extreme and prolonged stress. The results underscore the importance of developing targeted interventions aimed at strengthening occupational self-efficacy as a resource for reducing burnout and supporting the wellbeing of mental health professionals working in high-risk and crisis contexts.
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