Personal determination of self-confidence of a novice psychologist in the context of psychological counseling

Abstract

Purpose. To present the results of a theoretical analysis of the problem of personal determination of self-confidence of a novice psychologist in the context of psychological counseling.

Methods. Theoretical research methods included analysis, comparison, systematization, and generalization of theoretical and empirical data on the problem of self-confidence.

Results. Self-confidence can be defined as generalized self-esteem, manifested in a positive assessment of one’s skills, behavioral repertoire and results of one’s own professional actions as sufficient to achieve important goals. The psychological aspects of the professional activity of a psychologist-consultant have been considered. The profession of a psychologist-consultant involves intervention in the psycho-emotional space of another person, which makes this process multifaceted and unpredictable, and requires a high level of professional competence, responsibility, readiness for non-standard situations and self-confidence from the specialist. Reflexivity plays an important role in the formation of a psychologist’s confidence, as it allows to understand professional qualities better, evaluate one’s actions and carry out self-regulation. Thanks to reflection, a psychologist can adapt more effectively, improve skills and optimize work, which contributes to personal growth and increased self-confidence necessary for successful professional activity. Successful performance of productive activities requires developed motivational characteristics, such as interest in the work and belief in one’s own abilities to achieve a certain result. For a novice psychologist, achievement motivation is important because it ensures readiness for challenges and increases the ability to effectively apply knowledge in real situations, developing confidence in one’s own competence. Autonomy has also been defined as a determinant of self-confidence, as it allows the subject to act independently, guided by his or her own values and needs, helps to develop independence in decision-making and responsibility for the actions, which increases confidence in own abilities and the effectiveness of professional activity.

Conclusions. Self-confidence of a specialist can be characterized as a complex psychological formation based on a subjective positive assessment of one’s own professional actions and results, which promotes effective activity and self-realization in the professional sphere. Personal determinants of self-confidence of a novice psychologists have been defined as reflexivity, achievement motivation, autonomy.