MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUTH IN WARTIME: RESULTS OF PSYCHODIAGNOSTICS AND THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the study of the mental health of Ukrainian youth in the context of war, specifically evaluating the levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and resilience. The aim of the research was to assess the initial levels of mental disorders among young people affected by the war, as well as to develop and implement three adapted psychological interventions: trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and group therapy aimed at building resilience (RBG-T). The study utilized a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, including psychometric tools such as the PCL-5 for assessing PTSD, the PHQ-9 for measuring depression, and the CD-RISC for evaluating participants’ levels of resilience. A total of 55 individuals aged 18 to 20 years, who had directly experienced the impact of war, participated in the study. The results revealed a significant reduction in PTSD and depression levels after completing the 12-week interventions, along with a notable increase in resilience. Statistical analysis of pre- and post-intervention data demonstrated the high effectiveness of the therapeutic approaches, as well as the fact that the combination of cognitive-behavioral and meditative techniques helped participants better cope with stress and emotional difficulties caused by the war. This highlights their practical value in improving the mental health of youth during a prolonged crisis. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that its results can be applied to improve the system of psychological assistance for Ukrainian youth affected by the war. The proposed interventions can be integrated into mental health support programs for youth and used in future research and the development of psychotherapeutic programs to address the consequences of traumatic events.