The Role of Psychological Capital and Sense of Coherence in the Work Engagement of Iranian Psychologists and Counselors (A National Online Study)

Psychologists and counselors need Psychological Capital and Sense of Coherence to effectively engage in their professional roles in prevention and intervention. So the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of psychological capital and sense of coherence in the work engagement of Iranian psychologists and counselors. Using a web-based sampling method, 1156 psychologists and counselors from different regions of Iran were selected in 2021 and completed the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES; Schaufeli & Bakker, 2003), the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ:Luthans, 2002), and the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC:Flensborg-Madsen, 2017). SPSS26 was used to analyze the data using Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression. The results indicated a positive and significant relationship between the components of psychological capital (self-efficacy, resilience, hope, and optimism) and the feeling of psychological cohesion with job desire. (P<0.001). The regression analysis also showed that self-efficacy, optimism, and hope could predict the participants' work engagement (P<0.001).However, resilience and a sense of psychological cohesion could not predict work engagement (P<0.05).Discussion The findings highlighted the role of psychological capital and a sense of coherence in the work engagement of Iranian psychologists and counselors and its place supports them in preventive and intervention activities Based on the results of the current research, psychological capital and Sense of Coherence are important and influential variables on work engagement among mental health professionals, and it is suggested to pay more attention to these variables in the empowerment programs of mental health professionals