Subjective self-regulation and meaning-in-life orientations as determinants of psychological well-being under professional stress

context and relevance: the modern professional environment is characterized by high cognitive workload, digital overload, and increasing emotional instability, which intensify the issues of occupational stress and burnout. Specialists in the field of information technology are particularly vulnerable due to remote work, high responsibility, and constant informational pressure. Objective. To empirically investigate and theoretically substantiate the interrelation of subject self-regulation and meaning-in-life orientations as key determinants of psychological well-being under conditions of professional stress. Methodology. An empirical study was conducted with IT specialists (N = 74) using psychodiagnostic tools and statistical analysis. Additionally, a cross-disciplinary theoretical and analytical review of Russian and international studies was conducted, focusing on the phenomena of burnout, well-being, meaning-based regulation, and subject activity. Results. The empirical study established that developed subject self-regulation and a coherent system of meaning-in-life orientations are statistically significantly correlated (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) and contribute to resilience under professional stress, mitigate the effects of digital burnout, and support psychological well-being. A strong correlation was found between meaning-in-life indicators and the scales of "Planning" (r = 0.42, p < 0.001) and "Action Programming" (r = 0.44, p < 0.001), emphasizing the regulatory aspect of meaning stability. Conclusions. The empirical research confirmed that meaningful engagement and internal regulatory resources are critical factors in the prevention of professional distress in the context of digital transformation of labor. The necessity of implementing psychological support programs aimed at fostering self-regulation and meaningful involvement in professional activity is emphasized.

occupational stress, psychological well-being, subject self-regulation, meaning-in-life orientations, digital stress