Psychological status and coping behavior in liquidators of the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the remote period

Abstract

Relevance. The large-scale accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant raised the problem of overcoming its economic, medical, social and psychological consequences. This is extremely important for liquidators of the Chernobyl accident consequences (LACs) with more than 15 different somatic diseases that reduce their quality of life and coping resources, negatively affect the psychological status, the effectiveness of treatment and medical rehabilitation.Intention. Assessment of psychological status and coping behavior in LACs in the remote period and justification of the need to provide them with psychological and psychotherapeutic assistance.Methodology. Using psychological tests, 101 LACs undergoing inpatient treatment for somatic pathology were examined. The psychological status (health, activity, mood; state and trait anxiety, the impact of a traumatic event) and coping strategies were assessed. The results were compared with a control group using the Student’s t-test for different-sized unrelated samples.Results and discussion. The features of the psychological status and coping behavior in LACs in the remote period are shown. Indicators of well-being, activity, mood are presented; state and trait anxiety, the impact of a traumatic event and coping strategies are comparatively assessed. The most significant markers of psychological disorders and maladaptive coping strategies are identifiedConclusion. The data presented in the article are an important basis for including psychological and psychotherapeutic assistance in the programs of specialized medical care for LACs in the inpatient settings within state guarantees of free medical care for citizens of the Russian Federation.