Abstract
Introduction: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has placed significant mental and physical health burdens on military personnel, including both elite combat troops and injured servicemen in rehabilitation. Understanding the factors that influence their health outcomes is crucial for developing effective support and intervention strategies. Purpose: This study aims to analyse the relationships between negative indicators of mental and physical health (PTSD symptoms and somatic complaints) and personal characteristics (resilience, self-efficacy, and Big Five personality traits) in two distinct samples of military personnel: elite combat troops and injured servicemen in rehabilitation. By comparing these groups, the study seeks to understand how personal characteristics influence health outcomes and whether the impact differs based on the context of military service. Methodology: The study involved 180 Ukrainian military personnel (all men) divided into two groups: 149 elite combat troops and 31 injured combatants in rehabilitation. Participants completed self-report measures assessing PTSD symptoms, physical complaints, resilience, self-efficacy, and personality traits. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, ranges, skewness, and kurtosis) were computed, and independent samples t-tests and Cohen’s d were calculated to determine differences between the groups. Pearson's bivariate correlations and Z-tests were conducted to examine relationships between health indicators and personal characteristics. Multiple linear regression analysis (using the forward method) was performed to construct prognostic models for mental and physical health outcomes. Results: Injured combatants exhibited significantly higher levels of PTSD symptoms, exhaustion, and various physical complaints compared to elite combat troops. In contrast, elite combat troops showed higher levels of resilience, self-efficacy, extraversion, and emotional stability. Regression models highlighted self-efficacy, resilience, and emotional stability as key predictors of reduced PTSD symptoms and physical complaints, with varying predictive values across the two groups. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of personal characteristics in mitigating the negative health impacts of combat exposure within the global mental health landscape. Tailored interventions enhancing resilience, self-efficacy, and emotional stability are crucial, particularly for injured combatants. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and larger samples to further understand the dynamics of these relationships and support the well-being of military personnel on a global scale. By addressing these critical areas, we can develop more effective strategies to support the mental health and recovery of those affected by combat and conflict worldwide.
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