Psychological Aspects of Optimising IT Specialists’ Professional Self-Realisation Through Participation in Coaching Programmes
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The aim of the study was to examine the role of coaching programmes in the professional development of IT specialists in Ukraine and abroad. The methodology involved a sample of 163 IT professionals from Ukraine, both residing within the country and abroad. An assessment and comparison of the psychological aspects of IT specialists' professional self-realisation was conducted for two periods: prior to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine (2015-2022) and after its onset (2022-2024), using the following instruments: the PERMA-Profiler Measure, the Self-Actualisation Test, the Worldview Plasticity Questionnaire, and the "Mental Health Stability" Questionnaire. The tools employed to study self-realisation among IT professionals revealed that, prior to the full-scale invasion, these specialists exhibited high levels of life satisfaction, emotional stability, and harmonious social relationships. They felt confident in their achievements and life purpose, and maintained a sense of belonging to social groups, which sustained their professional engagement. Before the full-scale the Russo-Ukrainian war, the level of self-actualisation among IT specialists was high, with 73% of participants demonstrating a high level of life purpose and 70% showing a high level of readiness for change. Following the onset of the war, specialists who remained in Ukraine exhibited a marked decline in self-actualisation indicators - particularly, the proportion of individuals with high levels of positive self-esteem decreased from 65% to 39%. The data indicate a reduction in life satisfaction, the quality of interpersonal relationships, and confidence in one's worldview. A noticeable decline was also observed in social engagement, along with challenges in maintaining a sense of life control and existential meaning. Conversely, among those specialists who relocated abroad, self-actualisation in certain areas even increased: the proportion of individuals with a high level of life purpose rose from 41% to 50%, potentially indicating successful adaptation to new environments. Coaching programmes emerged as an effective tool for supporting professional self-realisation under such conditions. They assist IT specialists in adapting to change, reducing stress levels, strengthening emotional resilience, and restoring a sense of confidence. These programmes foster time management skills, the formation of long-term goals, and balance between work and personal life. Particularly valuable is participation in group coaching sessions, where specialists can receive social support and exchange experiences.
Source: Psychological Reports
Author: Vsevolod Zelenin
Institution: Dragomanov Ukrainian State University
Language: English
Topic: Coaching Methods and Impact
Subfield: Applied Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7118459405