Self-Efficacy and Self-Esteem of Ukrainian Citizens During the War

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Introduction: War significantly limits people’s autonomous functioning in many life aspects. As a result of the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine, the quality of life of Ukrainian citizens has significantly deteriorated. In times of war, self-efficacy and self-esteem play a key role in dealing with difficult, unpredictable situations. It is, therefore, important to undertake research in this area. Research Aim: The aim of the conducted research was to diagnose self-efficacy and self-esteem of Ukrainian residents during the war, and to determine the relationship between these two variables. Method: The authors have used a quantitative research approach and a diagnostic survey as a data collection method. The sample consisted of 1,783 respondents coming from all provinces of Ukraine. Two research tools were used: Schwarzer and Jerusalem’s Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale. Results: The analyses have shown that Ukrainian residents participating in the studydisplayvarious levels of self-efficacy and fairly favourable self-esteem. The results of the study indicate the existence of a high positive correlation between the analysed variables. Conclusions: Perceived self-efficacy impacts specific actions people take in unpredictable situations, whether they pay attention to opportunities or difficulties. In times of war, self-efficacy is prerequisite to being active when the situation requires one to engage in changing an unfavourable course of events. This activity is reinforced by the individual’s possession of a positive self-esteem.