Sharova O.L., Kozhukhovskaya A. A. Comparative analysis of police candidates' situational anxiety and social desirability under different selection models

The article deals with the results of an empirical study comparing two assessment interview formats in professional selection for law enforcement agencies — traditional (directive) and consultative (facilitative). The sample included 40 candidates (20 per group). The methodology applied includes Spielberger — Hanin State Anxiety Inventory, Crowne — Marlowe Social Desirability Scale, and BEES emotional responsiveness scale. The consultative format was associated with significantly lower anxiety and social desirability; empathy differences were not significant. The results suggest that procedural conditions of assessment may systematically influence self-report measures, and that the consultative format may create a safer environment for candidates' self-disclosure. However, because the groups differed not only in interview style but also in duration and testing timing, causal conclusions require further verification. Further research with controlled designs, larger samples, and factorial manipulation is needed to disentangle the effects of style, duration, and testing order.