Social and psychological readaptation of Ukrainian ex-combatants: return to a civilian profession

Abstract

Introduction. Transition to civilian life and profession is a pressing demand faced by many Ukrainian ex-combatants. The issue of ex-combatants vocational reintegration is poorly researched and covered. Aim: to explore the features of Ukrainian ex-combatants professional reintegration. Methods: focus groups with further analysis according to ground theory and inductive analysis. Results. Professional reintegration of the Ukrainian ex-combatants who are on the State Employment Service waiting list is characterized by their poor initial professional self-determination, poor physical and/or mental health and external position. Conclusions. The results of the study show that ex-combatants return to a civilian profession is an important part of their social and psychological re-adaptation. The process can be facilitated by special programs to train ex-combatants in finding ways of psychological recovery, motivation, goal-setting and redesigning their negative experiences of the past.