The trauma of war: implications for future generations in Ukraine (comparison with the Eastern European countries that were at war at the end of the 20th century)

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper reviews work on psychological trauma related to armed conflict in Eastern Europe and Ukraine and on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Any aggression evokes emotions of fear, anger, despair, horror, confusion, and hatred. The research aims to determine the psychological consequences caused by the current hostilities that younger generations of Ukrainians will face in the future and compare them with similar experiences in Eastern European countries. The research results showed the presence of signs of depression and PTSD in all categories of respondents. The severe social and psychological problems caused by the hostilities in Ukraine have negative impact on family ties and intergenerational interaction. There need to be psychological forms of help that can improve the lives of victims and can prevent the negative impact of trauma on future generations.