SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL COMPETENCE OF FUTURE PSYCHOLOGISTS: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS AND EMPIRICAL RESEARCH

Abstract

The modern system of professional education in Ukraine is undergoing dynamic transformations aimed at improving the level of specialist training in accordance with the requirements of the competence-based approach. One of the key tasks in the training of future psychologists is the development of social and psychological competence, which ensures the ability to interact effectively with the environment, establish productive interpersonal relationships, and fulfill professional responsibilities in the field of psychological assistance.

The social and psychological competence of future psychologists is a crucial integral indicator of their professional readiness, as it facilitates effective interpersonal interaction, adaptation to the profess­sional environment, and the successful practice of psychology. A low level of development of this compe­tence can hinder professional activities, lead to difficulties in understanding clients' behavioral and emotional processes, create communication barriers, and reduce the effectiveness of psychological support.

Despite significant attention given to studying the competence-based approach in education, the issue of developing social and psychological competence in future psychologists remains insufficiently explored. In particular, there is a need to clarify the concept of «social and psychological competence», its structural components, and to develop effective methods for diagnosing and improving this competence during professional training.