Dynamics of military mental health in war time
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The article analyzes the peculiarities of military mental health during the full-scale war in Ukraine under the conditions of prolonged exposure to stress factors. A set of methods MHC-SF, PSS-10, РНQ-9, GAD-7, AIS, BRCS, PTGI was used for empirical research. The study covered 246 people (military who participated in hostilities in 2022-24). In general, military mental health improves in 2022, at the beginning of 2023 and in 2024 and a decrease at the end of 2023. The improvement of military mental health is associated with an increase in life satisfaction, a high interest in life, confidence in the ability to make an important contribution to the life of society, social integration and a sense of belonging to a social group, satisfaction with oneself as a person, the presence of a purpose and sense in life, confidence in expressing own views. Mental health is reduced by mistrust of society, inability to cope with daily responsibilities, conflicting experiences, loss of warm and trusting relationships with others. Perceived stress and sleep disorders decrease from 2022 to early 2023, increase in late 2023 and fall in 2024. Depression and anxiety increase in 2022-23 and decrease in 2024. Signs of perceived stress intensify by the inability to make up for losses, loss of control, feelings of ineffectiveness, nervousness, stress, anger, problems in personal life. Sleep disorders are represented by separate symptoms, including difficulty falling asleep and awakenings during the night. Anxiety is most often manifested by excessive worry, irritability, and an inability to relax. Depression is manifested by feelings of fatigue and decreased energy. Overcoming these difficulties at various stages is possible thanks to readiness for accidents, ability to overcome personal problems, self-regulation, self-control and confidence in the right path. Military post-traumatic growth in general is gradually increasing and is associated with awareness of the value of life, personal strength and new opportunities. Post-traumatic growth is inhibited by the loss of intimacy with others and the bad attitude towards others, unwillingness to make an effort. Periods of decline in military mental health occur during periods of military failure, loss of public support, and lack of foreign military aid. We note the strengthening of military mental health during the periods of fellow citizens and international partners intensive support, positive changes in the organization of military life and successes at the battlefield.
Source: Psychological Journal
Institution: Zhytomyr Ivan Franko State University
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4404381964