Psychological Aspects of Optimising IT Specialists’ Professional Self-Realisation Through Participation in Coaching Programmes

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.