Specificities of stress resilience in university students living under the martial law

Abstract

The article is dedicated to analysis of scientific research on specific characteristics of psychological resilience university students develop when living under the military law. Resilience to stress is viewed as comprehensive personal attribute, which is composed of the following individual psychological components, i.e., low personal and situational anxiety, low level of neurological and psychological stress, adequate self-esteem, high level of ability to work, emotional stability. These components provide for effective achievement of goals, and are realized in personal cognitive, emotional, motivational, and behavioral areas. Based on theoretical research, it is concluded that higher resilience in individuals is facilitated by the following personal characteristics, such as flexibility, abstract thinking, cognitive style of field independence, developed perceptual, mnemic and intellectual abilities, attentiveness and observation, ability for self-concentration, emotional stability, optimism, adaptability, and subjective self-control. The article is a summary of empirical study results focused on specific characteristics of resilience Ukrainian university students demonstrate under the stressful conditions of military law. Compensating mechanisms of psychological defense of students are identified as projection and compensation. Key strategies of overcoming behavior in individuals with high resilience levels are identified as approval of responsibility, self-control, and planning for problem solving. Key strategies of overcoming behavior in individuals with low resilience levels are identified as confrontation, avoidance and seeking social support.