THE IMPACT OF TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE ON THE MEANING-IN-LIFE ORIENTATIONS OF YOUTH

Abstract

The article examines the relationship between traumatic experience and the meaning-in-life orientations (hereinafter – MLO) of young people, particularly in the context of wartime events. It is emphasized that experiencing trauma affects values, motivation, and the ability to make sense of one’s life. The analysis focuses on correlations between post- traumatic stress disorder (hereinafter – PTSD), post-traumatic growth (hereinafter – PTG), and indicators of meaning in life as key markers of psychological well-being. Data from 52 respondents aged 20-35, collected using the LEC-5, PCL-5, PTGI, MLQ, and “MLO” methods, showed that 40,20% of young people had a high level of traumatic experiences, and more than half demonstrated pronounced PTSD symptoms. Approximately half of the participants showed low levels of PTG (51,17%) and meaning in life (44,62%), indicating emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and loss of life orientation. Correlation analysis revealed significant negative relationships between “description of traumatic events” and “search for meaning” (r = -0,639; p ⩽ 0,05), as well as between “hyperarousal symptoms” and “life goals” (r = -0.711; p ⩽ 0,05). At the same time, PTG indicators showed strong positive correlations with components of MLO: between “appreciation of life” and “life process” (r = 0,845; p ⩽ 0,05), and between “spiritual and existential changes” and “life effectiveness” (r = 0,702; p ⩽ 0,05). This demonstrates the dual impact of trauma: it can diminish life meaningfulness, yet with adequate support it can foster PTG. Therefore, youth rehabilitation programs are needed to overcome trauma consequences and restore a sense of meaning.