Socio-Psychological Features of the Value System of Volunteers Participating in the War and Strategies for Coping and Self-Control of Behavior

Abstract

Key words: combat stress, coping strategy, combat situation, values, war, life purpose, problem solving Currently, the problem of mental health of participants in local wars (combatants) is one of the socially significant issues for health care. Its scientific and practical relevance lies in the need to improve the system of psychological assistance to participants in local wars for their adaptation in the post-war period. When examining the psychological effects of war, if we set aside political considerations, it is evident from research data that the impact on the human psyche during hostilities and, particularly, during the time of post-war adaptation, is similar in various situations. This is demonstrated by the same age groups of the fighters, the swift and striking transition from the battlefield to civilian life, and most importantly, the attitude of people toward combatants. The article describes the socio-psychological features of the value system and coping strategies of combatants. Formed and more clearly manifested during the war, their psychology changes after its end, leaving its characteristic mark on the life of society as a whole. The feelings and behavior of a person in a moment of danger demonstrate their specificity in comparison with the emotions and actions of everyday life situations, revealing the characteristics of one’s personality from a completely unexpected side. The specificity of the combat situation significantly determines the formation and consolidation of certain values, suggesting that combat veterans differ from people who did not participate in hostilities by a particular system of values that discover the general direction of behavior in a wide range of situations, including stressful ones. It was revealed that combatants are characterized by problem-oriented coping, active behavioral strategy in which they try to use all possible personal resources to effectively solve problems. The latter indicates a closer connection with future life goals that enrich life with meaning, guidance, and chronological perspective.