Application of Mindfulness Practices in Work on Stress Reduction during the War

Abstract

The mindfulness practice involves working with internal mental states based on awareness and the ability to be present in the here and now, contributing to stress reduction. Implementing a stress reduction program is highly relevant in the context of the war in Ukraine. Our research focused on internally displaced persons in Ukraine (20 persons) affected by the war's consequences (loss of loved ones, property, housing, and employment). The program spanned 8 weeks and consisted of 8 sessions in a group therapy format. The structure of the group sessions comprised three main components: working with personal emotions, cognitive processing, and using meditation. It was necessary to alleviate emotional tension by helping participants become aware of their feelings and cognitions and prepare them to enter a meditative state effectively. The results of our work showed that before the start of the therapy group, the stress level of the 20 persons, as measured by a subjective introspective scale, was 9 points (ϭ = 0.45; ϭ2 = 0.2), while after its completion, it reduced to 6 points (ϭ = 0.22, ϭ2 = 0.05). Our research results demonstrated that mindfulness practice has a beneficial impact on reducing stress reactions in individuals during times of war and can be successfully applied in the work of clinical psychologists and psychotherapists as a practical approach to addressing and overcoming stressful situations, particularly during the war.