METHODS OF SELF-REGULATION AND COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY FOR EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION AMONG SENIOR STUDENTS OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

Abstract

The article examines the relationship between emotional exhaustion and the personality traits of senior university students majoring in educational psychology. Theoretical approaches to the study of emotional exhaustion in both foreign and domestic psychological literature are analyzed.

Special attention is given to the manifestations and factors contributing to the development of emotional exhaustion in students, particularly anxiety related to insufficient professional preparedness for future work as educational psychologists. Key factors include underdeveloped professional self-awareness, limited competence in the specifics of the helping profession, professional stress due to lack of identification with practicing psychologists, insufficient social skills, low empathy, and inadequate knowledge of prosocial behavior norms.

The aim of the study is to investigate the psychological characteristics of educational psychology students and their level of emotional burnout, as well as to describe the application of self-regulation methods and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

The paper analyzes psychological mechanisms underlying emotional exhaustion and cognitive distortions that intensify stress reactions, such as catastrophizing, overgeneralization, personalization, and excessive self-demands. The effectiveness of self-regulation methods aimed at stabilizing emotional states, reducing anxiety, and restoring psychological resources is substantiated. These methods include breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness elements, reflective journaling, and the development of conscious emotional regulation skills.

A separate section discusses the potential of CBT in addressing emotional exhaustion, emphasizing the integration of cognitive techniques, behavioral experiments, and stress-resilience training. The findings indicate that the systematic use of self-regulation methods combined with CBT reduces emotional exhaustion, enhances professional resilience, and supports psychological readiness for future professional activity.

Research methods included a pedagogical experiment, Spearman’s correlation analysis, personality assessment, CBT techniques, rational-emotive psychotherapy, relaxation, and self-regulation training. The results revealed a significant correlation between emotional burnout and students’ psychological states, and demonstrated the effectiveness of self-regulation methods in improving their mental condition.