PSYCHOLOGICAL VULNERABILITY AND RESILIENCE OF UKRAINIAN STUDENTS UNDER CONDITIONS OF PROLONGED TRAUMATIC STRESS OF WAR

Abstract

The article examines the impact of prolonged traumatic stress caused by war on the mental health and professional development of medical students. Special attention is given to the development of resilience to stress as a key factor in maintaining psychological well-being. The study analyzes the effects of sustained traumatic stress on mental health and identifies key factors that contribute to high levels of psychological trauma during wartime. The findings demonstrate a substantial negative influence of prolonged war-related stress on the mental health of medical students. Nearly 70 percent of respondents report elevated levels of stress and anxiety, which has a detrimental effect on their academic performance.

Commonly reported symptoms associated with prolonged traumatic stress include physical and mental exhaustion, chronic fatigue, social withdrawal, heightened anxiety and worry, impaired cognitive functioning, emotional instability, sleep disturbances or insomnia, disordered eating, and psychosomatic complaints.

The study also identifies factors unrelated to the traumatic event itself that increase vulnerability to stress. These include young age, female gender, low socioeconomic status, a history of psychological trauma, lack of social and psychological support, and limited access to coping resources.

Enhancing access to psychological support services, providing academic support, and fostering psychological competence among students are identified as critical strategies for strengthening resilience and promoting mental health