Characteristics of Subjective Vitality of Psychologists: Relationship with Age and Length of Professional Experience

Psychologists, as specialists working with human problems, are themselves at risk of emotional exhaustion and professional burnout. Understanding the specifics of their subjective vitality, especially at different stages of their professional career and life, is critical for maintaining their own productivity and the quality of care provided. Problem. Insufficient understanding of subjective vitality as an integral personality trait among psychologists, as well as a lack of knowledge about the dynamics of this phenomenon depending on age and length of professional experience, limits opportunities for targeted optimization of psychological well-being and the prevention of professional burn-out in this professional group. Goal: To expand, supplement, and refine scientific understanding of subjective vitality and the possibilities for optimizing its level in psychologists in adulthood. Research methods: The study draws on a comprehensive methodology, including system-subject and integrative approaches, principles of comprehensive human knowledge and the resource theory of stress, as well as the author's concept of subjective vitality as an integral personality trait, reflecting the individual's attitude toward the source of inner strength and the selection of mental resources. The empirical study was conducted using a specially developed psychodiagnostic method, "Assessment of One's Own Vital Energy," among 158 psychologists. Conclusions: Vitality levels in this professional group exhibit clear age-related dynamics: an increase is observed from adolescence to adulthood (36–55 years), followed by a slight decline in old age, with minimal gender differences. Length of service positively correlates with subjective vitality indicators, emphasizing the role of professional experience in shaping a sense of vitality. Regression analysis confirmed the presence of an "inverted U-shaped" relationship between age and vitality level, with a peak around 44–49 years of age, indicating age-related patterns in the development of this phenomenon. The findings have practical implications for the professional development and psychological support of specialists.