Relationship between professional self-definition and levels of fatigue in officers of internal affairs bodies

Abstract

The reported study examines the relationship between professional self-definition and fatigue among officers of internal affairs bodies. The hypothesis of the study was that employees’ attitudes toward themselves as professionals are linked to their levels of fatigue and that these attitudes vary according to different levels of professional expectations. The sample included 181 internal affairs officers. Among other tools, the data were collected using two questionnaires: the Attitude Toward Professional Self, and the Subjective Assessment of Fatigue. The findings reveal that higher levels of fatigue are associated with lower levels of self-acceptance, less favorable self-perception as a professional, and reduced expectations and aspirations related to professional self-development. Specifically, fatigued respondents were less positive and enthusiastic (active) in their professional self-definitions, indicating an unfavorable trend. On the opposite, employees with lower levels of fatigue predominantly exhibit an active/positive professional self-definition, characterized by high levels of professional expectations and motivation for professional self-development (activity), self-acceptance, and positive self-image as a professional (positivity). Along with that, these employees prefer tasks that are less demanding and do not require significant effort or additional skills. In contrast, employees with moderate levels of fatigue show a compensatory type of professional self-definition. In this group, declining professional expectations and aspirations due to increasing fatigue are offset by inflated self-concept and contentment with oneself and personal achievements. Finally, employees with high levels of fatigue predominantly exhibit a passive professional self-definition. In this group, both professional expectations and motivation for selfdevelopment are reduced (low activity), while positive aspects, such as self-acceptance and professional self-image, remain at moderate levels.