THE ROLE OF METACOGNITIVE BELIEFS IN EMOTIONAL AND VOLITIONAL SELF-REGULATION OF DOCTORS IN WAR CONDITIONS

Abstract

The article examines the role of metacognitive beliefs in the emotional and volitional self-regulation of doctors working in war conditions and experiencing increased professional and psychological stress. The theoretical part highlights contemporary views on self-regulation as a dynamic cyclical process that includes planning, monitoring, and post-action reflection. Particular attention is paid to the metacognitive component, in particular, a person's beliefs about their own thinking and emotional responses, which are key determinants in the choice of emotional regulation strategies.
The aim of the empirical study was to determine the existence of links between metacognitive beliefs and the emotional and volitional regulation of doctors, as well as to identify differences in these indicators depending on the frequency with which they provide medical care to military personnel and veterans. Thirty-two doctors of various specialties participated in the study. Three psychodiagnostic methods (MCQ-30, ERQ, Hall's test) were used, and correlation and regression analysis was performed.
The results showed that cognitive reappraisal and self-motivation are significantly associated with positive metacognitive beliefs about anxiety. In contrast, maladaptive beliefs about the uncontrollability of thoughts, excessive need to control thoughts, and cognitive uncertainty were found to be associated with a tendency to suppress emotional expression.
A comparative analysis showed that doctors who often work with military personnel and veterans have higher average scores on all five scales of metacognitive beliefs, especially on the scales of “negative beliefs about the uncontrollability of thoughts,” “cognitive uncertainty,” and “need to control thoughts.”. This may indicate increased emotional stress, internal tension, and reduced psychological flexibility in this group of specialists.
It was concluded that the development of positive metacognitive beliefs is a potential resource for strengthening the emotional and volitional self-regulation of doctors, as well as an important condition for the prevention of professional burnout in conditions of chronic stress.