War-adjustment problems faced by the Ukrainians who appeared in the TV program "Psychologist's Help"

Abstract

Introduction. Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine gave Ukrainians a wide range of experiences. Besides the individuals' emotional sphere, their cognitive, behavioral, motivational, value, physiological, and physical systems were also affected. Interference in the psychological and physiological systems directly affects individuals' adjustment to social, territorial, individual, and physical changes. The war acts as a high-intensity stressor whose prolonged influence can cause maladjustment. Aim. To explore the psychological problems of adjustment to the war faced by the Ukrainians who appeared in the TV program called "Psychologist's Help" and the ways of solving them. Methods. Interviews, feedback, as well as psychotherapeutic methods used in the TV program: cognitive-behavioral approach, Gestalt approach, art therapy, symbol-drama, metaphorical cards, work with images and metaphors, etc. Results. There were identified 20 general problems faced by the TV program participants who were divided into four categories: refugee women with children who moved abroad; women with children who stayed in Ukraine; refugee women who were single; men who stayed in Ukraine and did not join the army. The greatest adjustment difficulties were faced by the women with children who remained in Ukraine (they were uтder the constant pressure of war stressors). Refugee women with children who moved abroad had adjustment difficulties because of poor housing conditions, forced staying with strangers, and language barriers. Certain cognitive and behavioral techniques helped the TV program guests control their emotions and improve their physical and psychological conditions. Conclusions. Most problems of the program participants related to the war-caused difficulties of adjustment to the new social environment and their emotional, cognitive, behavioral, physical, physiological, and professional issues. The Psychologist's Help is a popular TV program whose advice can be helpful for TV viewers with war-related psychological problems.