Shaping psychologists' professional identity during a period of crisis: An existential-dialectical approach

This study explored how the professional identity of psychologists was shaped during the crisis period characterised by the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerated digitalisation, and the war in Ukraine. Drawing on an existential-dialectical framework, the research examined how psychologists navigated practical contradictions and existential tensions involving meaning, purpose, and professional significance during widespread disruption. The qualitative study included 45 experienced Latvian psychologists (M = 47.13 years, 87% women) who began practising before the pandemic. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in October-November 2022. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns of professional identity transformation, with particular attention to dialectical tensions and existential challenges. Five themes emerged: (1) reconciling traditional practices with crisis-driven changes, where remote work created boundary challenges while proving effective; (2) balancing emotional vulnerability and professional responsibility, as rising demand intensified both strain and professional value; (3) navigating isolation and collaboration through enhanced supervision and peer support; (4) evolving professional practices through creativity and functional adaptations; and (5) experiencing professional growth through strengthened commitment despite initial uncertainty. The findings demonstrate that professional identity transformation during the crisis period involves navigating universal dialectical tensions while addressing existential challenges of meaning and purpose. Psychologists adaptively integrated reflective practices, digital competencies, and self-care strategies. The study contributes to professional identity literature by demonstrating that the crisis period serve as catalysts for comprehensive identity transformation, fostering more adaptive, reflective, and resilient professional identities through resolving both practical contradictions and existential uncertainties.