FEATURES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL RECOVERY OF UKRAINIAN ARMED FORCES SERVICEMEN IN THE COMBAT ZONE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18372/2411-264X.27.20729Keywords:
combat stress, crisis intervention, moral and psychological support, psycho-emotional stabilization, combat capability restorationAbstract
The scientific article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the organization and implementation of psychological recovery measures for military personnel in active combat zones, taking into account the specifics of modern military operations and the conditions of prolonged stay in an extreme environment.
The purpose of the article is to analyze the aspects and features of the psychological recovery of servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the area of combat operations.
Results. The author examines a structural and functional model of the work of psychological assistance points within military units, defining their role as key centers for crisis intervention, stabilization of the psycho-emotional state, and maintenance of the combat capability of personnel. Particular attention is paid to methods and techniques of psychological assistance that can be effectively applied under conditions of limited resources and high combat intensity. The significance of individual and group forms of work is revealed, including art therapy, aromatherapy, relaxation techniques, self-regulation methods. The importance of integrating the work of psychologists with other specialists-medical personnel, rehabilitation experts, and chaplains-is emphasized to ensure a comprehensive impact on recovery processes. It is determined that the effectiveness of psychological recovery directly depends on the prompt deployment of assistance points, clear distribution of the functional responsibilities of personnel, and the application of techniques that minimize the effects of combat stress. The necessity of systematic documentation is underscored, ensuring the continuity of psychological support and monitoring the dynamics of the mental state of military personnel. It is noted that optimally organized psychological assistance points perform not only a restorative function but also a preventive one, preventing the development of chronic psycho-emotional disorders. The results of the study can be used to improve the system of psychological support for staff support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to prepare methodological recommendations, and to implement modern models of psychological support for personnel in combat conditions.
Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrate:
the low level of staffing of full-time military psychologists (high workload per specialist – 600–800 servicemen) requires focusing on training personnel to provide psychological first aid and developing basic competencies in the initial recognition of crisis states among commanders;
an important method of providing psychological first aid is primary psychodiagnostics to identify signs of combat stress, which includes recording behavioral, emotional and physiological markers of a crisis state by commanders and sergeants;
a psychological aid point is a key form of organizing recovery, providing a comprehensive approach that combines medical-psychological, psychotherapeutic, social-rehabilitation and leave components.
Thus, the effectiveness of recovery depends on the complexity of the approach, the coordination of the team’s work, the balance between psychotherapeutic and physical recovery, as well as the ability to create a feeling of restored internal balance.
