Typology of individual values of combatants of the War in Eastern Ukraine

Abstract

The individual values of combatants determine life goals, how to achieve them, and perform an important adaptive and protective function under conditions of combat stress. Understanding them enables mental health professionals to create an effective system of Combat and Operational Stress Control for military personnel. The purpose of this research was to determine the personal value sphere typology of individual values of combatants of the War in Eastern Ukraine, and, on its basis, to predict the vector of PTSD development. The value sphere (Rokeach Value Scale) and peculiarities of mental status (“Traumatic Stress Questionnaire”) of nine hundred forty three Ukrainian combatants were investigated. Cluster analysis made it possible to create a typology of combatants' values, consisting of five types: “Passionary”, “The one who does not leave the comfort zone”, “Romantic”, “Formal military man”, “Routine”. The most resistant to combat stress are combatants who are aimed at interiorizing values, expanding the boundaries of existing norms, and public recognition (“Passionary” (2.19%), “Romantic” (3.82%)), and the most vulnerable are those who are “Routine” (15.30%) and “Formal military man” (4.37%). The majority of Ukrainian combatants have a defined type of “The one who does not leave the comfort zone” type (74.32%). For them, safety and well-to-do life are the main priorities.