Insight: the psychological dimensions of society

Editor’s Preface

Ihor Popovych — 2025-05-29

Editor’s Preface

Psychological Defenses of Students in Confronting the Stressors of Military Actions

Viktor Plokhikh — 2025-05-29

The study aims to determine the relationship between the implementation of psychological defenses, acceptable for current adaptation, and the level of stressful neuropsychiatric tension among students (civilians) under the influence of stressors of military actions. Methods. 109 students of Bachelor and Master degree levels of higher education (aged 18 to 55) were participants of this research. The following methodologies were used in this research: the methodology “Life style index” (H. Kellerman, R. Plutchik, H.R. Conte); Freiburg Personality Inventory (FPI, form “В”); the methodology of C. Spielberger in order to determine the level of trait and situational anxiety; the scale of psychological stress PSM-25; the methodology for determining the level of stress by V. Shcherbatuh. Results. One-third of a total group of subjects (32.11 %) have significantly pronounced tension states of anxiety and stress. Among three groups of subjects identified via cluster analyses, there are significant differences in the following indicators: the level of stress (χ2 = 10.423; df = 2; p = .005); situational anxiety (χ2 = 14.461; df = 2; p = .001); trait anxiety (χ2 = 9.318; df = 2; p = .009). Using psychological defenses significantly changes with the increase of stressful neuropsychiatric tension in the groups: projection (χ2 = 77.289; df = 2; p < .001), rationalization (χ2 = 63.652; df = 2; p < .001), and compensation (χ2 = 12.367; df = 2; p = .002). There are two factors identified via exploratory factor analysis that explain 41.87 % of accumulated variance: Factor 1 (combining all parameters characterizing the presence of stressful neuropsychiatric tension and parameters related to the subjects’ loss of stress resistance resources and opportunities for adequate resistance to stressful influences) and Factor 2 (combining the vast majority of psychological defenses). Discussion and Conclusions. Psychological defenses of students (civilians) from the stressors of military actions are conceptually defined as a method of adaptive response to current threats, which is usually characterized by a general acceptance of reality, partial content inadequacy of response to significant impacts of threatening circumstances in order to eliminate or significantly weaken the impact of emotionally difficult, undesirable for perception, psychologically traumatic information. Among the psychological defenses of students in confronting the stressors of military actions, projection, rationalization, and compensation were the most expressive and significant. With excessive expressiveness of tense states and difficulty in organizing mental actions, compensatory resources of rationalization and compensation, as well as other psychological defenses, become insufficient for the necessary reduction of neuropsychiatric tension. As distress develops, the activation of destructive projection also increases.
25; the methodology for determining the level of

Coping strategies of displaced Ukrainian mothers

Tetyana Yablonska — 2025-05-29

Modern research shows the extreme trauma of forced displacement as a result of war; the severity of PTSD, anxiety, and depression in Ukrainian displaced women. Overcoming the stress of war and displacement is considered through the prism of the concept of coherence; additional factors are depression and decision-making styles. It is substantiated that in the context of the psychological consequences of war, their comorbidity with PTSD, depression, and other disorders, and their potential impact on children, the study of mothers’ coping strategies is of particular importance. The purpose of the study is to investigate the coping strategies of Ukrainian mothers in the context of war. The sample consisted of 215 women aged 23–56 who had children. The sample was divided into three groups: 1) mothers who went abroad (n = 74); 2) internally displaced mothers (n = 77); 3) mothers who did not leave their place of residence (n = 64). Methods: a survey based on a socio-demographic questionnaire, SOC-29 scale by A. Antonovsky (1993) adapted by I. Haletska, Brief-COPE questionnaire by C. Carver (1997) adapted by T. Yablonska et al. (2023), Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire by L. Mann et al. (1997) and Beck Depression Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23 and Jamovi version 2.2.5. Descriptive statistics and frequency and correlation analyses were used. Results. It was found that most mothers, regardless of the situation of displacement, showed a sufficient level of coherence, which was manifested in more constructive coping strategies. The specifics of the measured indicators in the selected groups of mothers are characterized, and common and distinctive features are identified. In all groups, strong inverse relationships of coherence with depression and avoidance strategies were recorded, so individuals with a high level of coherence are characterized by the refusal to use unconstructive strategies and solutions, as well as lower levels of depression. In the group of mothers who went abroad, a strong inverse relationship between coherence and depression was found; these respondents are less likely to use avoidance coping, as well as procrastination and overvigilance in decision-making; they are more likely to use problem-oriented coping strategies. In the group of internally displaced mothers, there are pronounced inverse correlations of coherence with indicators of avoidance coping and non-constructive decision-making styles – avoidance, procrastination, and vigilance. In the group of mothers who did not leave their place of residence, the sense of coherence has pronounced inverse correlations with depression, avoidance coping, procrastination, and vigilance in decision-making; these mothers used emotion-focused coping to a lesser extent. Discussion and Conclusions. The specificity of the displacement situation and the sample led to differences in the identified relationships compared to other studies. The inverse correlations of a sense of coherence with the maladaptive avoidance strategy in all groups of mothers were found, which allows us to consider coherence as a trait that keeps a person from unconstructive strategies and decisions. In addition, in all groups of mothers, coherence is inversely correlated with depression, which allows it to be considered as a factor that prevents depression; accordingly, the development of a sense of coherence should be the basis of psychological assistance programs.

Sex-Based Determination of the Perception of Femininity: Qualitative and Statistical Analyses

Iuliia Lanovenko — 2025-05-29

The aim of this experimental study is to identify differences in the evaluation of femininity by individuals of different sexes, to determine specific criteria for assessing femininity, and to reveal the diversity in interpretations of feminine traits. Methods. The primary data collection method was a projective technique – an original set of stylized images representing femininity archetypes, created using the Lexica Art neural network service. Raw data were obtained through semi-structured interviews using these stylized archetypal images and a subjective scaling method. The study involved a sample of 33 individuals aged 20 to 65, with an approximately equal number of men and women. The collected data were analyzed using content analysis (which allowed for identifying additional criteria for the perception of femininity, significantly expanding the information found in the literature and enriching the semantic depth of feminine images) and statistical analysis (including frequency distribution, Mann–Whitney U test, cross-tabulation, and analysis of variance). Results. Statistically significant differences were found in the evaluation of femininity criteria between men and women. The traits of “maturity” (rated more highly and valued more by women) and “modesty” (more often emphasized by men) showed statistically significant differences. The archetypal image of the “Berehynia” (Guardian or Keeper) was perceived as the most feminine by men and the least feminine by women. Discussion and Conclusions. The study confirms that widely accepted qualities in evaluating femininity (e.g., beauty) remain relevant for both sexes. Among the additional criteria identified, the traits that most influence the perception of a woman as feminine include confidence, maturity, wisdom, self-sufficiency, modesty, and inner richness. A notable contribution of this work is the trial use of stylized archetypal images of femininity, which opens the possibility of developing metaphorical cards titled “Archetypes of Femininity” in the future. Even at this stage, the image set has demonstrated therapeutic potential.

Factor Structure of Subjective Well-Being of Young Ukrainians

Valerii Olefir — 2025-05-29

Despite the relatively long history and theoretical and practical significance of studying the subjective well-being of individuals, there is currently no consensus regarding its structure. It was widely recognized that life satisfaction and positive and negative affects are components of subjective well-being; however, the relationship among these components within a single construct remains a subject of debate. The main aim of this study was to investigate the factor structure of subjective well-being by comparing competing theoretical models of the construct’s conceptualization on a sample of Ukrainians (N = 1111 higher education students; age range 18–26 years; 59.0% women, 41.0% men). Methods. Data collection was conducted via the online service Google Forms using Ukrainian versions of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Scale of Positive and Negative Experiences (SPANE). To assess the fit of the empirical data to the theoretical models of the structure of subjective well-being, traditional and bifactor confirmatory factor analysis, as well as classic exploratory structural equation modeling and its bifactor variant were applied. The selection of the best model from the competing ones was based on Akaike’s information criterion weights, which consider both the accuracy of the model description and its parsimony. Results. Four models of the factor structure of subjective well-being demonstrated adequate correspondence to the empirical data according to traditional criteria. The correlations between the three latent factors of subjective well-being were moderate and aligned with the expected directions. Akaike information criterion weights indicated that the bifactor model of exploratory structural equation modeling best describes the data from the examined set of candidate models. The consideration of cross-loadings between the items of the questionnaires in this model led to a more accurate representation of the structure of subjective well-being. Measurement invariance across gender was achieved at the configurational, metric, and scalar levels according to this model. Discussion and Conclusions. The bifactor model of exploratory structural equation modeling, featuring a strong general integral factor of subjective well-being and three corresponding subgroups, reliably reflects the three-component structure for both men and women.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Ukrainian Version of the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-UA)

Iryna Kryazh — 2025-05-29

The aim of the study was a psychometric evaluation of the first Ukrainian-language version of the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS) with subsequent comparative analysis of eco-anxiety indicators in different gender and age groups. The HEAS (Hogg et al., 2021) is a questionnaire consisting of 13 items. It measures eco-anxiety as four types of psychological responses to the modern ecological crisis: affective symptoms, rumination, behavioral symptoms, and anxiety about personal impact. The factor structure of the HEAS-UA, internal convergent and discriminant validity, composite reliability, internal consistency, measurement invariance, and concurrent validity were assessed. Methods. A direct and reverse translation of the English-language scale was conducted for the creation of the Ukrainian version of the HEAS. Via the online service, Google Forms, 446 Ukrainians (67.9% female, age M = 32.3, SD = 11.04) completed the HEAS-UA along with scales measuring depression, positive and negative affect, life satisfaction, pro-environmental behavior in the social sphere, climate change denial, and environmental self-efficacy. The data were analyzed using the statistical software JASP. The research results confirmed the superior fit of the four-factor model to the empirical data compared to other models: the second-order factor model, the bifactor model, and the one-factor model. High internal consistency of each subscale was established, and measurement invariance was confirmed across gender and age groups. Weak to moderate correlations were found between the eco-anxiety subscales and indicators of depression, subjective well-being, pro-environmental behavior, attitudes toward change climate, and environmental self-efficacy, supporting the concurrent validity of the HEAS-UA. Small effects of differences in eco-anxiety levels between men and women, as well as between young and middle-aged individuals, were identified. Young people and women exhibited higher levels of anxiety about their impact, with women also displaying more pronounced affective symptoms. Discussion and conclusions. The HEAS-UA is a valid and reliable instrument that can be effectively used to measure eco-anxiety in Ukrainian-speaking populations, particularly in cross-cultural studies.

Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale: Ukrainian Adaptation and Psychometric Properties

Olena Veldbrekht — 2025-05-29

Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale is one of the most popular and well-proven tools for measuring an individual’s attitude towards themselves. Such popularity is due to the accessibility and effective-ness of the methodology, as well as the long his-tory of its use. Although the scale is well known to domestic psychologists, there is no scientific justification for its use in Ukraine. The purpose is to present the results of the adaptation and testing of the methodology based on a Ukrainian sample. Methods. In accordance with modern standards of cultural adaptation of psychometric instruments, the scale was forward and backward translated and pretested in a sample of 25 psy-chology students. The testing of the methodology included three waves of research, involving 537 participants aged 11–45 years, among them 168 men and 369 women. The results confirmed the high psychometric quality of the instrument. Themean self-esteem score in the sample was 28.26 points with a standard deviation of 5.49. Global self-esteem does not differ between sexes but is significantly age-dependant: the lowest level was found in adolescent groups. The scale has high internal consistency and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha value is .88, Guttman’s lambda – .89). All items have sufficient discriminatory power (Fer-guson delta values from .61 to .75). The retest reli-ability coefficient (re-measurement at an interval of 12–15 weeks) was 0.74. Principal component analysis confirmed the unidimensional struc-ture of the scale, but confirmatory factor analysis proved that the two-factor model showed a better fit to the empirical data. Self-esteem indicators on the Rosenberg scale obtained in adolescent and student samples closely correlate with similar parameters measured using other instruments: emotional valence of self-descriptions in the pro-jective method “Who Am I?”, global and specific self-assessments in various life spheres according to the “Self-Perception Profile” by S. Harter, gen-eral self-efficacy, life satisfaction, the proximity of the real and ideal “Self”, self-confidence. The sensitivity of the results to the severity of the in-dividual’s social desirability motivation is shown. The level of self-esteem directly correlates with indicators of psychological well-being, negative-ly – with the severity of stress. Discussion and Conclusions. The adapted Ukrainian version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale is a convenient, reliable, and valid tool for measuring a person’s global self-esteem, which can be used in adoles-cent groups starting from 11–12 years of age. The possibility of distinguishing two dimensions of the scale, defined by positively and negatively worded items (self-respect and self-contempt), requires additional clarification.

Chronic Stress and Resilience of Students in Conditions of Excessive Mobile Phone Usage

Lyazzat Limasheva — 2025-05-29

The aim of the study is to conduct theoretical-empirical research of the peculiarities of the relationship and identify significant differences in the parameters of stress and resilience in the context of the digital educational environment, in which university students use numerous mobile applications. Methods. The study involved student youth from Kazakhstan, aged 19 to 20 (n = 132), who were in their second year at universities in the country, majoring in socio-economic, bio-economic, and techno-economic fields. The studied parameters were measured using the following psychodiagnostic tools: “Leipzig Short Questionnaire on Chronic Stress” (LKCS) by K. Reschke and F. Mätzchen (2020); “Resilience Scale” (RS-25) by G. Wagnild and H. Young (1993); “Big Five Inventory” (BFI) by R. McCrae and P. Costa (1991); and “Problematic Use of Mobile Phones Scale” (PUMP) by L. Merlo, A. Stone, and A. Bibbey (2013). Results. It was found that regarding the levels of problematic mobile phone use scale expression, the group of respondents within the normal range constituted a quarter of the sample – 25.00% (n = 33), while the remaining 75.00% (n = 99) were respondents classified into the at-risk group and those with mobile phone dependence. Associations were established between the parameters of problematic mobile phone use and chronic stress (rs = .393; p = .008) and neuroticism (rs = .368; p = .014). It is explained that chronic stress is a highly sensitive parameter for problematic mobile phone use, and the association with neuroticism reinforces this statement. It was stated that in the comparison of three groups with varying levels of problematic mobile phone use expression, chronic stress is the only parameter that demonstrates significant differences between the studied groups (p ≤ .050; p ≤ .01). Discussion and Conclusions. It was substantiated that within the digital educational environment, students are compelled to use numerous mobile applications to master the academic components of their study programs, which have an impact on chronic stress. The somewhat unexpected results of the comparison are explained by the fact that even with high resilience, the excessive use of mobile phones causes a permanent effect, leading to chronic stress. It was summarized that the obtained results possess scientific value and are of interest to the organizers of the educational process at universities.

Effect of Contingency Leadership, Competence, and Personality Traits on the Productivity of Permanent Lecturers of Private Universities Mediated by Compensation

Said Nuwrun Thasimmim — 2025-05-29

Purpose. The low productivity of permanent lecturers in Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEI) in the Riau Islands Province is a critical issue requiring immediate scholarly attention. This situation poses significant challenges in competing with foreign labor in the region, highlighting the urgent need to enhance human resources through targeted educational strategies. The study aims to systematically investigate the multifaceted factors contributing to this phenomenon, focusing on the influences of contingency leadership, professional competence, and personality traits of lecturers. Additionally, the research explores the role of compensation as a mediating variable that potentially impacts lecturer productivity. Methods. Employing an explanatory quantitative approach, the research involved a sample of 260 permanent lecturers selected from a total population of 935, utilizing Hair’s formula for sampling adequacy. A descriptive analysis was conducted to elucidate respondents’ perceptions, while the five-box method was employed for comprehensive response evaluation. Subsequently, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to yield in-depth insights into the interrelationships among the examined variables. Results. The findings reveal that contingency leadership, professional competence, and personality traits of lecturers exert a positive influence on productivity levels. However, a low understanding of functional positions among lecturers emerges as a significant impediment. Furthermore, compensation was identified as having a substantial effect on productivity; nonetheless, the overall productivity of lecturers remains categorized as low. Discussion and Conclusions. The implications of this research underscore the paramount importance of implementing contingency leadership within higher education management frameworks and recognizing the significance of personality traits in human resource strategies. A thorough evaluation of compensation systems and the adjustment of management policies are crucial for enhancing lecturer productivity. These findings provide a foundational basis for developing effective strategies aimed at improving lecturer productivity in private universities, particularly in the Riau Islands Province. This research uniquely contributes to the field of human resource management in higher education by offering practical insights that can be integrated into university policies concerning leadership, resource competence, and lecturer compensation.

Types of Internet Addiction Among Kazakhstan Students in the Digital Educational Space

Adlet Kariyev — 2025-05-29

The aim of the work is to conduct theoretical and empirical research of the types of internet dependency among Kazakhstan students under conditions of the digital educational space. Methods. The study involved 390 students from the first to the fourth years of study at universities in Kazakhstan. To determine the types of Internet addiction, only those subjects who were classified as at risk (n = 257; 65.90%) and dependent (n = 62; 15.89%) were selected using the k-means method. Three valid methods were used to identify the studied psychocomplexes: “Internet Dependency Test” (IDT) by K. Young (1998); “Internet Addiction Test” (IAT) by T. Nikitina, A. Yegorov (2005), adapted by O. Kaminska (2014); “The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire” (16PF) by H. Cattell, A. Mead (2008). Results. It was found that Internet addiction has the strongest inverse correlation with Internal tension (p < .001). It was emphasized that such personality traits as introversion, daydreaming, and lack of self-control have the strongest correlation with Internet addiction. Through k-means clustering analysis, the subjects were grouped into four clusters that reflected the types of Internet addiction: “Stable Internet Addiction”, “Controlled Internet Addiction”, “Radical Internet Addiction”, and “Open Internet Addiction”. Discussion and Conclusions. It was empirically investigated and theoretically substantiated that the types of Internet addiction are formed by the psychological complexes of relevant personal traits of the respondents who excessively use online resources (numerous mobile applications, enrolling in courses on educational platforms) during their educational and professional activities and who were appropriately classified into either the at-risk group or the addiction group. It was noted that the proposed classification allows for the systematization and deeper understanding of the scientific problem and the discovery of new scientific facts. It was recommended to implement the obtained results into the educational process of universities to develop preventive and psychocorrective programs for internet addiction.

Relationship between Reflection and Decision-Making in Young People

Nataliia Shevchenko — 2025-05-29

The purpose of the study is to determine the nature and significance of the correlation between reflection and decision-making in young people. Methods. Empirical: the questionnaire “Style of Behavioral Self-Regulation” (Yevdokimova & Kobylko, 2023), the questionnaire “Ability to Self-Control” (Yevdokimova & Kobylko, 2023), D. Raven’s progressive matrices scale (Lemak & Petryshche, 2012), the test “Creativity” (Lemak & Petryshche, 2012), “Melbourne Decision-Making Questionnaire” (Petrovska, 2021), the methodology “Research of Volitional Organization of Personality” (Lemak & Petryshche, 2012); methods of statistical analysis: elucidation of the law of normal distribution, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results. Psychological structures of reflection and decision-making are presented at three levels of their organization (the general level, the level of structural components, and the level of individual indicators). Several intermediate hypotheses about the presence and nature of the manifestation of the correlation between these processes were formulated and the corresponding indicators of strength and nature of the correlation at the level of organization of individual indicators and structural components at the general level were recorded. It has been established that a particular characteristic in the examination of highly integrated decision-making and reflection processes is the enhanced correlation observed as the synthetic level of the studied processes increases (progressing from specific indicators to general dimensions). Discussion and Conclusions. The assumption about a stable correlation between the processes of reflection and decision-making in young people at all levels of organization of the studied phenomena was confirmed. The level of the study of individual indicators revealed the ability “to describe the situation/event adequately and determine the main one and describe one’s thoughts and feelings” and the ability “to answer the search questions and be aware of the conditions of the situation in which this happens” have the highest level of the relationship with the decision-making process. The examination of the components of the researched processes revealed that thephases of experience review and reflective result possess a significant level of correlation with the cognitive and volitional domains of the individual involved in the decision-making process. The recorded results open the prospect of studies on the influence of reflection on the decision-making process in young people.

Attributional Style as a Defense Mechanism of Student Activists’ Behavior

Yuliia Bokhonkova — 2025-05-29

The aim of this study is to investigate the psychological patterns of the functioning of the attributional style as a defense mechanism of student activists’ behavior within the framework of their educational and professional activities. The participants in the study were student activists enrolled in socionomic educational programs in higher education institutions in Ukraine (n = 52). The respondents were between 18 and 25 years. Descriptive statistics of the sample: M = 20.21; Me = 20.00; Mo = 19.00; SD = ±4.19. Methods. Student activists were selected using the “Sociometry” methodology (Moreno, 1951). The research variables were assessed with psychodiagnostic tools: the “Attributional Style Questionnaire for Adults” (ASQ) (Peterson et al., 1982) and the “Ways of Coping Questionnaire” (Folkman & Lazarus, 1980). Non-parametric statistical criteria were used for the empirical data processing. Results. A descriptive research strategy was applied. High identical parameters for “personalization of the good” and “personalization of the bad” were recorded, indicating ambivalent characteristics of the attributional style. Ambivalence was explained through the characteristics of adolescence, particularly maximalist manifestations, extremes in achieving desired outcomes, and the convergent position of the respondents. It was found that the defense mechanisms of activist students’ behavior are realized exclusively through three constructive behavioral strategies – self-control, acceptance of responsibility, and problem-solving – and four destructive strategies – confrontation, distancing, escape, and seeking social support. The lack of a significant correlation with constructive reinterpretation was argued, suggesting that in the process and outcome of their educational and professional activities, respondents continuously engage in evaluation, reflection, rationalization, and intellectualization, which prevents them from perceiving constructive reinterpretation as a coping behavior. It was clarified and statistically confirmed that “personalization of the good” is favored in conjunction with the coping strategy of “acceptance of responsibility”. In contrast, “personalization of the bad” is favored in connection with the coping strategy “escape”. Discussion and Conclusions. It was summarized that the study of the attributional style as a defense mechanism of student activists’ behavior represented an established way to explain the causes and consequences of unfavorable events in the context of seeking constructive and destructive coping behaviors. The results obtained clarify a range of behavioral scenarios of student activists and may be of interest to those who organize work with student youth.

Comparative Study of Emotional Intelligence among University Students Exemplified by a Ukrainian- Kazakhstan Sample

Inesa Hulias — 2025-05-29

The aim is а theoretical-empirical research of the expression of emotional intelligence among Ukrainian and Kazakh students in terms of cross-cultural components and gender differentiation. Methods. The Ukrainian sample consisted of 68 students in their second and third years at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University (Chernivtsi, Ukraine). The Kazakh sample also comprised 68 students studying from the first to fourth years at two universities: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Almaty, Kazakhstan) and Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University (Almaty, Kazakhstan). The following methodologies were used: the “Emotional Intelligence Test” (Hall, 2007) and the “Methodology for Diagnosing Personal Motivation for Achieving Success and Avoiding Failure” (Elers, 2002). Results. Attention was drawn to the context of the socio-cultural space, particularly the social transformations covering Ukrainian and Kazakhstan society. No significant differences were found between the Ukrainian and Kazakhstan samples regarding cross-cultural characteristics. It was argued that the functionality of emotional intelligence may significantly decrease under the influence of stress factors, while the level of emotional intelligence will maintain relative constancy. Gender differences indicated significant superiorities for female subsamples: for the Ukrainian sample in the parameter of “empathy” and the Kazakh sample in the parameter of “emotional awareness”. These superiorities were explained as reflections of socio-cultural characteristics. It was noted that martial law actualizes sympathy and empathy as a desire to help among Ukrainian female students. At the same time, sustainable development allows Kazakhstan female students to focus on the discrete functions and properties of their feelings and emotions. Discussion and Conclusions. It was explained that the psychological correlations of “emotion management” and “self-motivation” with the dimensions of motivation confirm that the interpersonal components of emotional intelligence are reflected in the control of one’s emotions and feelings, which helps students act effectively – either achieving success or avoiding failure. The results obtained are advisable to implement in the educational process of universities.

Temporal Competence of Future Public Sector Managers

Nataliia Hoi — 2025-05-29

The aim of the study is to investigate the temporal competence of future public sector managers in the context of professional formation and development. Methods. The sample consisted of students at three levels (n = 112) who were enrolled in the academic field 281 “Public Management and Administration” at Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University (Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine). Respondents aged 18 to 44 years participated in both full-time and part-time study formats (M = 25.12; SD = 5.03; Me = 25.00). A valid, reliable, and representative set of instruments was applied: “Personal Orientation Inventory” by E. Shostrom (1964); “Time Perspective Inventory” (Zimbardo & Boyd, 1999; adaptation by O. Senyk, 2012); and “Dispositional Characteristic of Personal Self-Development” (Kuzikova, 2017). Results. Unexpectedly significant correlations were found (p < .001) between high levels of temporal competence and the parameters of time perspective, dispositional development, and the level of educational and professional preparation. It was explained that temporal competence reflects how much an individual lives in the present, whether they exhibit a “delayed life syndrome”, and whether they are stuck in the past. It was noted that a balanced time perspective (Group 1) significantly surpassed Group 2 – respondents with time de-centering – in terms of temporal competence, dispositional development, and the level of educational and professional preparation (p < .001). Discussion and Conclusions. It was argued that the temporal competence of future public sector managers is the ability to rationally plan and utilize working time, adequately assess the complexity of tasks, and be prepared to construct a relevant program for achieving goals within a temporal continuum while accurately determining time expenditures. Temporal competence, which operates within the dimensions of an optimal time perspective profile, is a crucial component in the educational and professional activities of future public sector managers. The empirical findings presented hold scientific novelty and are of significance to specialists in administrative management.

Distinctive aspects of subjective evaluation of the effectiveness of psychological support for higher education students

Natalia Afanasieva — 2025-05-29

The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between the social characteristics of higher education students and their subjective assessment of the effectiveness of various types of psychological support in wartime. The study analysed how age, gender, level, and year of study, as well as location, affect the perception of such activities as lectures, trainings, individual counselling, and support groups. The results of the study can be used to develop adaptive approaches to psychological support for higher education students in wartime. Methods. To achieve the research objective, a quantitative methodology was applied using multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA). An online questionnaire was used to collect data, which included an assessment of the effectiveness of each psychological support measure on a straightforward numerical scale (0–10 points). The distribution of data was tested for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, which allowed the use of parametric analysis methods. The study’s total sample consisted of 237 higher education students who were diverse in age, gender, years of education, levels of education, and location. Results. The effectiveness of lectures, trainings, and individual work can be assessed by age, as it has been found. Younger students (18–22 years old) highly value lectures and trainings because they provide access to new knowledge and practical skills. On the other hand, older students (28–33 years old) prefer individual work because it allows them to work through personal problems in more depth. There were significant differences between men and women in assessing the effectiveness of different psychological support measures: women rated individual support formats higher than men. The level of study affects the assessment of the effectiveness of trainings and support groups, with Bachelors rating these measures higher than Master’s students. The location of the students also affects the assessment of the effectiveness of psychological support measures: those who are abroad rated the effectiveness of group and individual measures more highly. Discussion and Conclusions. The results of the study emphasise the need to develop adaptive psychological support programmes for higher education students in wartime, taking into account the social characteristics of the participants. Support groups proved to be a universal format that meets the psychological needs of all categories of students, while lectures, trainings, and individual work require a differentiated approach to application. The results can be used to improve the psychological support of higher education students in conditions of prolonged crises, such as war. The findings also provide a basis for further research aimed at studying the long-term effects of different types of psychological support.

Dynamics of Ukrainians’ Perceptions of National Symbols as a Reflection of Resistance to Russian Aggression

Mykola Sliusarevskyi — 2025-05-29

The purpose is to investigate the changes that have been taking place during the full-scale Russian invasion in the perceptions of Ukrainian society about national symbols and may be of interest in terms of assessing its psycho-emotional state, prospects for further social development, preservation, and restoration of citizens’ mental health and personal growth. Methods. The dynamics of Ukrainians’ symbolic representations have been tracked in the course of monitoring, which has been carried out since the 2000s under the author’s leadership in all regions of the country, except for the temporarily occupied territories, since 2015. The monitoring is carried out through mass surveys, based on a sample representing the adult population of Ukraine aged 18 and older. About 1200 respondents were interviewed at each monitoring stage. The list of symbolic objects discussed in the article contained about 20 items. Results. The first of the surveys conducted after the full-scale Russian invasion showed that the external armed aggression initially led to a reduction of the symbolic consciousness of Ukrainian society to military-patriotic, mostly military content limited to the challenges of war. However, in the third year of the full-scale war, reliable data were obtained that indicated the regeneration and expanded reproduction of Ukrainians’ symbolic consciousness. Along with an increased focus on situationally determined military content, the frequency of choosing symbols related to the actualization of historical memory and artistic and aesthetic feelings of citizens has increased. Their symbolic preferences have become not only more unanimous but also much more diverse and richer in content. Discussion and Conclusions. The hypothesis that in the context of a full-scale Russian invasion, the leading role of Ukraine-centered symbols in the symbolic preferences of Ukrainians would further increase was fully confirmed. Other hypotheses were also confirmed: the increase in the number of national symbols in response to an existential threat to the nation, the actualization of the Ukrainian citizens’ historical memory as a factor in the further transformation of their symbolic representations, and the acquisition of transregional unity by the national symbolic space. However, the confirmation of these hypotheses has been delayed. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the identified psychological effects of reduction, regeneration, and expanded reproduction of symbolic consciousness may fit into the more general hypothesis of simplification/complication in the national community’s structure of perceptions about their nation’s symbols in the face of events threatening its existence. It also seems legitimate to assume that the observed regeneration and expanded reproduction of symbolic preferences indicate that Ukrainian citizens are gradually recovering from the psychological shock caused by the war, increasing their adaptive potential and ability for post-traumatic growth. The author considers the acquisition of transre- gional unity a sign of a new quality of Ukrainians’ symbolic consciousness. However, this process is hampered by the territorial localization of historical memory.

Challenges of Adolescents in War: а Report from Ukraine’s Frontline Territories

Karel Recka — 2025-05-29

The study explores the psychosocial challenges faced by children living in frontline territories in Ukraine amid ongoing military conflict. Purpose. The research aims to assess the emotional, social, and physical well-being of these children, identifying key risk factors and coping mechanisms that influence their psychological resilience. The study also seeks to highlight the disparities between parental and child perceptions of well-being and safety. Methods. The quantitative survey was conducted among 259 parents and 79 children from the Kharkiv, Sumy, and Donetsk regions. The data were analyzed to evaluate emotion regulation, social support, perceived safety, sleep patterns, eating habits, and physical health indicators. The study employed descriptive statistical analysis to assess variations in children’s well-being and compare perspectives between parents and children. Results. The study revealed high prevalence of emotional distress, with children exhibiting increased irritability, anxiety, and difficulties in emotional regulation. Notably, 39% of parents reported a decline in their children’s ability to regulate emotions since the conflict began. While social support was available for most children, 30% experienced a reduction in accessible support networks due to displacement and war-related disruptions. The study also identified discrepancies between parental and child perceptions of safety, with parents frequently underestimating children’s feelings of security. Sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and somatic complaints were prevalent, indicating the physiological toll of psychological stress. Despite these adversities, children demonstrated adaptive coping mechanisms, including seeking social interactions, engaging in calming activities, and developing individual strategies for managing stress. Discussion and Conclusions. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions tailored to children in war- affected areas. Holistic support strategies should focus on strengthening emotion regulation, enhancing access to social networks, improving perceived safety, and addressing physical health concerns. Community-based initiatives, parental education, and structured mental health programs can play a pivotal role in mitigating the long-term psychological effects of war- related stress. Addressing these challenges is essential for fostering resilience and ensuring psychological well-being among affected children. Understanding the broader implications of war- related trauma can inform evidence-based policies and interventions, supporting both immediate relief efforts and long-term recovery strategies in post-conflict settings.

Ruminative Thinking among Military Personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Mariia Avhustiuk — 2025-05-29

The present study aims to examine the characteristics of ruminative thinking among military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Methods. A total of 297 military personnel voluntarily and anonymously participated in this study. The respondents, aged between 20 and 58 years (Mage = 40.10, SD = 6.38), constituted a single study group with intra-group variables. Participants completed "The Ruminative Responses Scale" (Nolen-Hoeksema & Morrow, 1991; Marchetti et al., 2018), which consists of 22 items and assesses overall rumination as well as its subcomponents: brooding, reflection, and depression. Additionally, participants evaluated their confidence in the effectiveness of their responses and the perceived ease or difficulty of responding to specific questionnaire items, emphasizing the certainty of their assessments. The study also considered participants’ age characteristics and medical diagnoses when analysing rumination. To assess metacognitive beliefs related to rumination, thought control, and cognitive self-consciousness, the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30) (Wells & Cartwright- Hatton, 2004) was employed. Results. The findings revealed significant variability in levels of rumination, brooding, reflection, and depression among the participants. The majority of respondents exhibited moderate levels of rumination, with brooding being more prevalent than reflection. Confidence in responses was found to be higher among individuals with lower levels of rumination and depression, whereas those with elevated brooding and reflection scores demonstrated greater confidence in their responses. Military personnel with documented medical diagnoses exhibited significantly higher levels of rumination and depression compared to their counterparts without such diagnoses, with particularly pronounced rates observed among individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Furthermore, worry was identified as a significant factor influencing all measured variables: participants with high levels of worry demonstrated increased levels of rumination, brooding, reflection, and depression, while those with lower worry levels displayed more balanced psychological indicators. Discussion and Conclusions. This study provides an in-depth analysis of rumination and its subcomponents – brooding, reflection, and depression – among Ukrainian military personnel. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying mental health disorders in military populations, underscoring the importance of targeted psychotherapeutic interventions. Specifically, elevated levels of rumination may be associated with an increased risk of developing mental health conditions such as PTSD and anxiety disorders. These results highlight the necessity of incorporating ruminative thinking patterns into psychological rehabilitation programs for military personnel. Future research should focus on the development of interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive ruminative thinking and evaluating their effectiveness within psychotherapeutic frameworks. Additionally, investigating individual and situational factors that may contribute to the reduction of ruminative thinking in military personnel represents a critical avenue for further exploration.

Readiness for Risk among Higher Education Students in the Context of Social Changes

Ihor Hoian — 2025-05-29

The aim is a theoretical-empirical study of the phenomenon of readiness for risk among higher education students in the context of relevant social changes. Methods. The sample consisted of students from three levels of higher education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and prospective Ph.D. candidates, who were studying at universities in Ukraine, totaling 114 individuals (M = 21.04; SD = ±3.75). The social changes affecting students and their higher education institutions validly reproduced the key conditions of the research.
The methodologies used met the main criteria: validity, reliability, and representativeness, and were adapted and/or tested on a Ukrainian sample. The parameters studied were assessed using the following psychodiagnostic instruments: “Diagnosis of Readiness for Risk” (RSK) (Schubert, 1964), “Test-Questionnaire of Qualitative Components of Risk Tendency” (TRT) (Sannikova & Bykova, 2008), and “Personal Readiness for Change Questionnaire” (PRCQ) (Rollnick et al., 1992). Results. A confirmatory research strategy was employed to compare the studied variables. A matrix of psychological correlates was constructed. It was established that the predominance of direct relationships provides grounds to assert that with an increase in readiness for risk, there is also an increase in readiness for personal changes, and correspondingly, with an increase in readiness for personal changes, the willingness to take risks also increases. It was clarified and justified that nine inverse relationships between risk parameters and creativity, adaptability, and tolerance for ambiguity indicate an inverse pattern. It was explained that these internalized properties of creativity, optimism, adaptability, and tolerance for ambiguity in respondents with low readiness to take risks are reflected in coping behavior strategies and can be realized through the operation of defense mechanisms. Discussion and Conclusions. It was substantiated that the readiness for risk among respondents in the context of social changes is a stable, multifaceted, and hierarchical property of personality, which can determine behavior strategies under uncertainty, based on analyzing the current situation and personal capabilities. It was explained that the recorded significant differences indicate personality traits that have become pronounced in current situations of social change. It was noted that these traits are important contours of the psychological profile of the higher education seeker in the context of relevant situations of social change. The obtained correlations and significant differences represent scientific value within the context of the research subject.

Mental Health: Criteria for Evaluation of the Digital Applications as Facilitative Tools of Public Psychoeducation

Oleh Starovoitenko — 2025-05-29

In recent decades, digital applications that support mental health have gained global usage due to their undeniable advantages in the widespread dissemination of psychoeducational content and the facilitation of psychoeducation processes. Numerous studies on the effectiveness of such psychoeducational tools provide fragmented information regarding their advantages and disadvantages. This complicates the selection of specific applications as optimal for use in each particular psychoeducational request, both for the mental health professionals and for the end users of the psychoeducational content. The aim of the research was to define a set of criteria and indicators for evaluating and comparing different types of digital psychoeducational tools. This is valuable for facilitating their informed selection and application in psychological assistance and self-help practices. Aligning the content component of psychoeducation, such as psychoeducational information that is particularly sensitive and relevant to the population, especially in wartime conditions, with the formal component of the psychoeducation process, namely, digital, stigma- free means of content dissemination, significantly increases the potential for facilitating and enhancing the effectiveness of psychoeducational activities among the population. Methods. Based on a synthesis of scientific research on the subject, using inductive qualitative analysis, expert evaluations, and statistical methods to assess their consistency, a set of criteria was identified for evaluating the facilitative potential of digital psychoeducational applications.
Results.The criteria for evaluating digital psychoeducational applications include user accessibility, adaptiveness and focus level of the tool, user interest protection, interactivity of user engagement, and support for psychoeducational content assimilation. The rank correlation indicators of expert evaluations for the selected criteria demonstrate overall consistency, thereby confirming their applicability for the informed selection of a particular tool based on specific user needs. The highest level of agreement among expert evaluations was observed for the criteria of interactivity of user engagement and user interest protection. Discussion and Conclusions. The authors of the article demonstrated the possibility of developing a set of criteria for evaluating digital psychoeducational applications to be used as a universal tool for comparing such applications. This, in turn, will enhance the effectiveness of psychoeducational initiatives based on digital applications already at the planning stage of such initiatives.

Psycho-Emotional Stability of the Individual in the Period of Societal Transformations

Yana Raievska — 2025-05-29

The aim is to conduct theoretical and empirical research on the phenomenon of psycho-emotional
stability in the period of societal transformations.
Psycho-emotional stability is regarded as the dominant psycho-complex of the individual’s traits, abilities, and competencies to maintain efficient functioning through self-regulation of
activities. Societal transformations are positioned
as sociogenic challenges, including pandemics, military conflicts, climate disasters, societal upheavals, and social changes of various scales. Methods. The research involved students of three degree levels: “Bachelor”, “Master”, “Doctor of Philosophy”; academic staff, and employees of the Interregional Academy of Personnel Management (Ukraine) and Ivan Franko National University of Lviv (Ukraine); employees, middle managers, heads of departments, divisions, and structural subdivisions in the field of trade and production of the National Network of Shopping Centers “Epitsentr” (Ukraine) and Beauty Hypermarkets “Yeva” (Ukraine) with a total of
n = 323 respondents aged 18 to 56 years. Valid and reliable psychodiagnostic tools were applied. Results. Respondents reported a medium level of the key research parameters. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to establish two significant direct correlations between emotional stability and “independence/malleability” (p < .001) and “confidence” (p = .040). This confirms the direct dependence of emotional stability on the individual’s autonomy and assertiveness. Factor analysis revealed nine components with a total variance of Σd = 80.519%. Seven factor formations with significant loadings were interpreted: F1 “Resourceful psycho-emotional stability”, F2 “Safe psycho-emotional stability”, F3 “Adaptive psycho- emotional stability”, F4 “Independent psycho- emotional stability”, F5 “Psycho-emotional stability of guilt”, F6 “Open psycho-emotional stability”, and F8 “Intellectual psycho-emotional stability”. Discussion and Conclusions. It was
substantiated that theoretical and empirical research is an attempt to clarify dominant psycho-complexes of the individual’s traits, abilities, and competencies that ensure a balance and efficient functioning through self-regulation of activities in the space of continuous societal transformations and in the dimensions of the individual’s dispositional readiness for change through implementing personal competencies and the ability to accept or not accept oneself and one’s life. The results obtained are valuable for those who offer individual and group psychological support in sociogemic situations.

Peculiarities of Social and Psychological Adaptation of Internally Displaced Persons to a New Social Environment

Denys Aleksandrov — 2025-05-29

Restoration of the vital well-being of internally displaced persons plays a significant part in their integration into a new social environment since it determines the efficiency of their cooperation with representatives of a host community. The ability to regain the internal sensation of life satisfaction facilitates the successful adaptation of displaced persons to new living conditions, regaining their resourcefulness and assertion. For this very reason, social and psychological adaptation of internally displaced persons is among the burning issues of quality psychological counselling and social work. The purpose of this paper is to inquire into peculiarities of social and psychological adaptation of internally displaced persons to a new social environment. Methods: bibliosemantic, psychodiagnostic, the method of system analysis and generalization, mathematical and statistical method. 312 internally displaced persons took part in the investigation that was carried out in 2022–2024. Valid and reliable psychodiagnostic tools were employed. Results. It was established that the majority of internally displaced persons had a medium (moderate) level of social and psychological adaptation. Difficulties in their adaptation to new conditions of the social environment arise from the increased externality and deteriorated appreciation of others (representatives of the host party). The trends towards disinterest in life and the mismatch between set and attained goals became visible. It was found that low life satisfaction of internally displaced persons is due to their decreased adaptability, deteriorated self-acceptance and acceptance of others, externality, and the loss of dominant life stance. Discussion and Conclusions. It was established that certain deviations in indicators of propensity for escapism, submissive passiveness, and emotional discomfort can be traced against the background of the relatively typical profile of social and psychological adaptation. All this is evidence of the apparent difficulties the respondents face while adapting to the new realities of war. It is not unusual for internally displaced persons to lose interest in life, find themselves disoriented in terms of life goal setting and methods of attaining it, lose faith in themselves and their conduct. It was established that their emotional well-being is the hardest to restore; the process of self-perception is getting more complicated in the new living conditions. The research opens up space for improving social and psychological work with displaced persons. Their successful integration into a new environment suggests taking effective measures of psychological support directed at the development of a clear life stance, tolerance towards a host community, and determination enhancement.

The Incorporation of Employee Performance Appraisal into Organizational Development Strategies

Marta Abdykalikova — 2025-05-29

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of scientifically based methods for assessing employee performance in modern organizations, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. The research aims to integrate the evaluation process into the organization’s development strategy, ensuring alignment with both internal and external environmental factors. Furthermore, it focuses on examining the utility of jobEQ tests for measuring work attitudes, motivation, and emotional intelligence. Methods.
The study employs a comprehensive review of existing literature on employee involvement and performance assessment, with a focus on identifying gaps in current methodologies. It also includes an analysis of jobEQ tools, specifically the Inventory for Work Attitude & Motivation (iWAM), COMET, and the Values Systems Questionnaire (VSQ), to evaluate their effectiveness in predicting employee behavior and performance in various job contexts. Results. The findings reveal that while various methods for assessing employee involvement exist, they often fail to account for the unique external and internal environments of organizational structures. The jobEQ tests, particularly iWAM and COMET/EQ, provide valuable insights into employee thinking styles, motivational preferences, and emotional intelligence, which are critical for aligning individual performance with organizational goals. Conclusions. To summarize, the integration of evidence-based employee performance evaluation methods with an organization's development strategy is crucial for achieving strategic goals and enhancing overall effectiveness. The jobEQ tests offer a promising approach to measuring key aspects of employee engagement, but further research is needed to develop assessment tools that fully consider the complexities of both the external and internal organizational environment.

Peculiarities of Traumatic Experience and Posttraumatic Growth of Adolescents and Young Adults During Wartime

Svitlana Kuzikova — 2025-05-29

The aim of the research is to identify the psychological characteristics of traumatic experience and posttraumatic growth of adolescents and young adults during wartime.
Methods. A comparison of traumatic experience and stress tolerance of adolescents and young adults was carried out. The total sample included 151 individuals, of whom female (n = 78; 51.66%) and male (n = 73; 48.34%). In the age range, we have the following distribution: from 10 to 12 years old (n = 48; 31.79%), from 13 to 15 (n = 52; 34.44%), and from 16 to 17 years old (n = 51; 33.77%). Participants described their traumatic events using the PTSD symptom questionnaire “PCL–5” (Blevins et al., 2015), “Posttraumatic Growth Questionnaire” (Tedeschi, Calhoun, 1996), and “Meaning of Life Questionnaire” (Steger et al., 2006). The presence of a traumatic event (criterion A according to the posttraumatic stress disorder method “PCL–5”), which was found in 91.39% of respondents, was important for our study. Results. Among the traumatic events, the most common were the death of relatives and friends and injuries. It was found that deaths and injuries have become common phenomena in war conditions. They are perceived as individual grief, but due to their mass nature, they are not considered a collective tragedy (as was the case after the de-occupation of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions). According to the results of the diagnosis, PTSD was detected in 12.78% of the studied sample, which is generally consistent with the general world data in this field, including children, adolescents, and adults. Conclusions. The presence of a traumatic event and the severity of individual PTSD symptoms does not indicate PTSD as a medical diagnosis, not the least role in this is played by stress resistance and posttraumatic growth with the creation of new meanings of traumatic events. It is explained that after the end of hostilities, the situation may change and the so-called delayed PTSD will be actualized. A low level of posttraumatic growth was found in younger adolescents and a moderate level in older adolescents and young adults. It can be assumed that the indicators of posttraumatic growth will change over time after the trauma and will depend on the course and duration of war-time.

Assessment of Sleep Disorders in Adolescents in Wartime

Anastasiia Kabantseva — 2025-05-29

Preventing the negative consequences of hostilities and addressing sleep problems in adolescents are critical issues in times of danger. The purpose of the study is to identify the key factors associated with sleep disorders in adolescents in wartime. Methods. The total sample of the study consisted of 489 adolescents aged 10 to 15 years who were exposed to war in Ukraine. The methods used included observation, interviews, questionnaires, and testing. The psychodiagnostic battery included the following instruments: the “School-Age Child Integration Questionnaire” and the “Children’s Neurosis Questionnaire”. Results. Analysis of the scores using the “Children’s Neurosis Questionnaire” revealed a high level of sleep disturbance in 85 adolescents (17.4%) and a moderate level in 99 adolescents (20.2%). Adolescents with severe disorders require medical and psychological assistance, while those with moderate disorders are considered at risk; therefore, it is advisable to conduct psychoprophylactic interventions to prevent the development of psychosomatic and mental disorders. The results of univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed the hypothesis that the main factors increasing the risk of sleep disorders are being female, living in a combat zone, fear of war, feeling uncomfortable within the family, lack of a favorable family relationship model to follow, and the presence of negative character traits as noted by the adolescents themselves. Discussion and Conclusions. Given that the problem of sleep disorders is multifactorial and that war represents a powerful social factor significantly increasing the risk of sleep disorders and contributing to psychological and psychosomatic problems, parents must develop a responsible attitude toward their children’s sleep hygiene. In case of sleep disorders, timely consultation with clinical psychologists and family physicians is recommended to normalize sleep, including identifying underlying causes and planning an optimal daily routine. Taking into account the identified factors associated with the risk of sleep disorders in adolescents living under military conflict conditions will help improve the effectiveness of psychoprophylactic, corrective, and rehabilitation measures aimed at preserving adolescent mental health.