LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM, COPING STRATEGIES AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH OF PILOTS
The article presents the results of empirical study of the resources for maintaining occupational health of specialists working in extreme environmental conditions (pilots as example). The level of professional skill and features of coping strategies were considered as internal resources for overcoming stress. The state of somatic health was determined according to the results of clinical examination. Psychological tests were used to diagnose signs of negative mental states (fatigue, burnout, stress). The diagnosis of stress coping features was carried out using S. Hobfoll's questionnaire “Strategic Approach to Coping Scale” (SACS). The results showed that “active” and “prosocial” behavioral models prevail in coping behavior of the pilots - in situations of stress, respondents rely on social support and the help of others. It is shown that coping efficiency is related to the level of professionalism: high-class pilots in difficult situations rarely use non-constructive coping strategies for stress, such as “impulsive”, “manipulative” and “asocial” actions.