Psychology of stress and adaptation during complex crises: Practical aspects of assisting people in difficult circumstances

Abstract

Background

The difficult living conditions caused by the hostilities have a significant impact on the destruction of people’s mental health. The research relevance is determined by the aforementioned impact and the necessity for a scientific basis for designing effective assistance programmes.

Objective

The study aims to address the impact of military operations on the mental health of the civilian population in Ukraine.

Methods

To achieve this goal, theoretical research methods (analysis and synthesis, classification, generalisation) and empirical research methods (surveys, statistical analysis of data) were used.

Results

The main results of the study: Many civilians in Ukraine are facing complex crises due to the hostilities and need assistance. Individual resilience to stress is determined by their characteristics and how these characteristics can interact with the factors of influence (four levels: individual, family, community, and societal levels). The impact of hostilities on the mental health of civilians is significant and negative. People who have been exposed to war or its aftermath experience high levels of stress symptoms, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. The level of mental health problems is higher among people who have experienced more traumatic events, such as loss of loved ones, violence, and loss of home. There are several key areas in which practical assistance can be provided, including psychosocial support, which can be provided through information support, emotional support, psychological counselling, trauma therapy, and medication.

Conclusion

The practical significance of the study is determined by the contribution to understanding the impact of war on people’s mental health. The results of the study can be used to improve the lives of people affected by the war. Namely, to develop and implement effective assistance programmes.