Assessing the Impact of the Psychological Rehabilitation Program «Sheltered by Love» on the Mental Well-Being of Ukrainian Children During the War

Abstract

Introduction. This study’s purpose is to deepen the understanding of the impact of psychological trauma on children and adolescents living in Ukraine, particularly those affected by the ongoing Russian invasion. For this purpose, it explores a psychological rehabilitation program for children affected by the war in the country, trying to find out if there are differences in their mental health outcomes, experiences, and physiological measures before and after the intervention. Aim. The study aims to contribute to developing effective instruments to mitigate the adverse effects of trauma and enhance the resilience of affected children and adolescents. Methods: The research process utilized various assessment tools and measures to evaluate the impact of the psychological rehabilitation program Sheltered by Love. The assessment tools included the Childhood and Adolescent Trauma Screening (CATS), Children’s Impact of Events Scale (CIES), physiological indicators such as pulse and heart rate variability, and the GOODENOUGH DRAW - A - PERSON TEST. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and paired samples T-test, were conducted using R version 4.2.2 and MS Excel tools to assess mental well-being before and after the intervention. The sample consisted of 77 participants aged 8-17, residing in Ukraine’s front-line zones, who attended the psychological rehabilitation program. Results. The study findings provide evidence of the efficacy of the Sheltered by Love psychological rehabilitation program. Post-intervention analyses demonstrated statistically significant reductions in post-traumatic stress symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, emotional distress, and avoidance behaviors. Psychosocial functioning also improved, with fewer disruptions reported in communication and leisure activities. Physiological indicators showed a slight decrease in heart rate and improvements in sleep quality and deep sleep duration, further supporting the program’s positive impact on the mental and physical well-being of the participants. Conclusions. The findings highlight the effectiveness of the Sheltered by Love rehabilitation program for children in mitigating psychological distress, improving psychosocial functioning, and fostering adaptive coping strategies, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of the participants affected by the war. Further research could delve into the long-term effects of such interventions and explore additional factors influencing children’s psychological resilience in war-affected settings.