Description
ABSTRACT
Background: The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has created a severe humanitarian crisis, with families of fallen soldiers—particularly those raising children with disabilities—facing compounded psychological and social challenges. These families experience intense grief, trauma, and social disintegration amid ongoing violence and uncertainty.
Purpose: This study aimed to develop and present a comprehensive psychological support program tailored to grieving families of fallen Ukrainian soldiers who are raising children with disabilities.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The authors theoretically substantiate a comprehensive program of psychological support for families raising children with disabilities, based based on qualitative needs assessments, expert consultations, and evidence-informed methodologies.
Findings: The program incorporates psychoeducation, psychocorrection, structured psychological training, and preventive interventions. Key principles include accessibility, professionalism, future orientation, and empowerment. Particular focus is given to adolescent development, parent-child relationships, emotional resilience, and the inclusion of peer support groups. The program emphasizes systemic, multi-level interventions targeting individual, family, educational, and community domains.
Practical implications: The program provides an adaptable model for crisis-oriented psychological support that can be implemented by mental health professionals, educators, and social service providers in wartime and post-conflict settings.
Conclusions: By addressing the interconnected psychological impacts of grief, war, and disability caregiving, this program fosters resilience, promotes emotional healing, and enhances social reintegration.
Keywords: children with disabilities, grief, trauma, families, psychological support.
