Assessment of psychophysiological status and quality of life of social work specialists

Abstract

Aim: to assess functional status of the central nervous system, working capacity, and quality of life of social work specialists within their occupational conditions. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted at the premises of the research laboratory “Adaptation of biological systems to natural and extreme environmental factors” of South Ural Humanitarian Pedagogical University in 2013-2014. We examined the workers of seven Chelyabinsk district administrations for social protection of population: heads and deputy heads of administrations and departments, and specialists from different departments of administrations. Quality of life was assessed with the help of SF-36 Health Status Survey showing physical and psychological health components. Results: We analyzed changes in the functional status of the central nervous system, which allowed us to distinguish a risk group based on simple visual-motor reaction indicators and assessment of quality of life. We found that there was no direct correlation between the level of working capacity and professional activity. Conclusion: The results indicated that social work specialists have formed processes of adaptation to complicated labor conditions and that the effectiveness of activity is closely correlated to psychophysiological traits of personality. The level of psychophysiological risks depends mainly on specifics of activity rather than on occupational position.