Description
ABSTRACT
Topicality. During times of war, issues related to human functioning under complex, often traumatic conditions become particularly pressing.
Purpose of the article aims to examine the coping behavior of Ukrainian students who exhibit dominant psychopathological symptoms of hyperarousal as a consequence of war-related traumatic stress.
Design/Methodology. A theoretical analysis of the concepts of coping behavior, trauma and traumatic stress was conducted. Using a set of psychodiagnostic methods and statistical analysis techniques, the study identified the features of psychopathological symptoms and coping behaviors among individuals with traumatic experiences.
Results. The psychopathological symptoms of individuals exhibiting dominant arousal and/or hyperarousal in response to traumatic events were most evident through somatization, anxiety, depression, hostility, obsessive fears (phobias) and obsessive- compulsive disorder. Their coping behavior was characterized by predominant somatic dysfunctions, emotional avoidance, behavioral distress and maladaptation, emotional dissonance and pseudo-coping behavior.
Practical significance. The findings can be utilized in providing psychological counseling and psychotherapeutic assistance to populations affected by military actions.
Conclusions. Theoretical and empirical developments may serve as a foundation for designing mental health strengthening and post-traumatic recovery programs for individuals requiring assistance due to traumatic stress experienced during the war in Ukraine.
Keywords: stress, trauma, psychopathological symptoms, coping behavior, hyperarousal, individuals with traumatic experiences.
