Abstract

Background. Positive psychology is one of the most rapidly developing areas in modern psychological science. The consideration of personality strengths within the framework of positive psychology as mediators of the negative impact of professional burnout on the psychological well-being of the individual actualizes the use of the “VIA” model in the study of psychological well-being in professional activities. 

Objective.In this article, we use the concept of personality strengths in “Values in Action” (VIA) model. In particular, the role of personality strength as a “mediator” of the negative impact of professional burnout on the psychological well-being of the individual, represented by the concepts of life satisfaction, self-esteem and self-efficacy is considered. 

Sample. The study involved 7946 teachers from seven regions of Russia (7466 women and 480 men) aged 18 to 95 years, the average age was 45 years. We have to note that the vast majority of respondents (97%) were between 20 and 65 years old. 

Methods. The study used personality questionnaires: “Life satisfaction scale” (Osin, Leontiev, 2020), “Self-esteem scale” (Bodalev, Stolin, 1987), “General self-efficacy scale” (Shvartser, Yerusalem, Romek, 1996), “Professional burnout” (Vodopyanova, Starchenkova, 2019), “Questionnaire of 24 personality strengths” (Stavtsev, Rean, Kuzmin, 2021). Having analyzed the collected data, we developed a “path model”. With the help of this model, we assessed the significance of each type of personality strengths as a “buffer” between professional burnout and psychological well-being. 

Results. All indicators of consistency in the “path model” demonstrate extremely high values, which indicates its reliability as a descriptive tool applied to relationships of the presented elements. The results of the study confirm the presence of a “buffer” function in certain personality traits. Thus, we identified 14 qualities out of 24 that exhibit a “buffer” function and represent the best antagonists to the negative impact of professional burnout on life satisfaction. 

Conclusion. In the study, 14 qualities were found to exhibit a “buffer” function that prevents the negative impact of external and internal factors, including stress, on a person. Also, 4 personality strengths (curiosity, zest, optimism, and gratitude) turned out to be the most significant for maintaining psychological well-being of the individual, which allows us to outline the “quartet of psychological resilience”.