VALUE-SEMANTIC SPHERE AS A MODERATOR OF POLICE OFFICERS’ PSYCHOEMOTIONAL STATE IN COMBAT CONDITIONS

Abstract

The article explores the relationship between the development of the value-semantic sphere and the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among police officers working under increased professional pressure. The relevance of the study is due to the need to identify psychological factors that help reduce emotional tension and maintain mental health in law enforcement personnel. Theoretically, the value-semantic sphere is presented as a personal resource that performs adaptive, regulatory, and existential functions. The empirical study was conducted on a sample of 297 police officers using the DASS-21 scales and instruments for diagnosing life-meaning orientations. Respondents were divided into three groups based on the level of valuesemantic development: low (96 individuals), medium/adaptive (103 individuals), and high (98 individuals). Comparative analysis showed that the most favorable emotional state indicators were found in officers with a medium level of development, indicating an optimal balance of reflection, stress resistance, and motivational orientation. A low level was associated with heightened anxiety, while a high level was linked to depressive tendencies, interpreted as a result of hyper-reflection or value-related distress. The findings highlight the moderating role of the value-semantic sphere in regulating police officers’ psycho-emotional state and its importance for developing preventive psychological support programs for law enforcement personnel.