Typology of Profiles of Psychological Readiness of Psychologists for Decision-Making in Stressful Conditions: Results of Cluster Analysis

Abstract: The article presents the results of an empirical study of the typology of psychological readiness profiles of psychology Master’s students for decision-making under stressful conditions. In the context of martial law in Ukraine, psychologists face the necessity of making professional decisions under high pressure while working with traumatized populations, which actualizes the problem of purposeful stress resilience development during professional training. Using k-means cluster analysis on a sample of 287 Master’s students in psychology from 6 Ukrainian higher education institutions, three qualitatively distinct readiness profiles were identified: «vulnerable competence» (24.7%), «functional adaptability» (56.4%), and «resilient mastery» (18.8%). The profiles differ statistically significantly across cognitive components (cognitive flexibility, tolerance for uncertainty), emotional-regulatory components (stress resilience, emotion regulation difficulties, psychological distress), motivational-volitional components (professional self-efficacy, coping strategies), and effectiveness of professional decision-making (p < .001). The critical vulnerability of one quarter of students (decision-making effectiveness M=32.1,below the threshold for safe practice) indicates a systemic gap in educational programs. The identified typology substantiates the necessity of a differentiated approach with three training trajectories: an intensive programme for the vulnerable profile (75 hours, VR simulations, biofeedback, individual supervision), a basic program for the adaptive profile (60 hours, cognitive training, group supervision), and an advanced program for the resilient profile (45 hours, mentoring role, complex cases). The practical value lies in creating a diagnostic foundation for personalised educational pathways. The theoretical novelty consists in the transition from a variable-centered to a person-centered approach that considers readiness components as holistic configurations of different types of professionals.