PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GUILT EXPERIENCES IN INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS

Abstract

This study investigates the psychological characteristics of guilt in internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine amidst the ongoing armed conflict. Given the large-scale displacement caused by the war, understanding the mechanisms of psychoemotional challenges in this population is critical for developing effective psychological interventions. Drawing on contemporary theories of self-conscious emotions, the study conceptualizes guilt as a multifaceted phenomenon with cognitive, emotional, and behavioural dimensions. A literature review identified significant correlations between guilt intensity and demographic factors (gender, age, parental status) and its strong links to depression, anxiety, and psychosomatic disorders. The study aims to comprehensively analyse guilt experiences in IDPs, exploring their relationships with demographic characteristics and co-occurring psychoemotional conditions. Key findings highlight high-risk groups: individuals with repeated displacement histories exhibit the highest levels of guilt and related psychological distress due to cumulative trauma; women show a significantly greater tendency to experience guilt compared to men, reflecting gender-specific emotional patterns; and parents of young children are particularly vulnerable due to heightened responsibility for their childrenʼs safety and well-being. The results underscore the urgent need for tailored psychological interventions for IDPs, including cognitivebehavioural therapy to address maladaptive cognitive schemas, evidence-based emotional regulation training, and strategies to restore adaptive coping mechanisms to mitigate emotional exhaustion.