Scientific Works of Interregional Academy of Personnel Management. Psychology

MANIPULATION THROUGH FEAR: THE INFORMATION FRONT OF THE UKRAINIAN–RUSSIAN WAR

Vladyslava Artyukhova — 2025-12-29

The article presents the phenomenon of fear as a powerful tool for manipulating the information space in the context of the Ukrainian–Russian war. The aim of the study is, based on an analysis of the characteristics of how cadets perceive informational content, to develop psychological recommendations for minimizing informational influence on consciousness. To achieve this goal, the main mechanisms and methods of using fear to influence public opinion, destabilize society, undermine morale, and create an atmosphere of panic are analyzed. Key narratives employed by Russian propaganda and informationpsychological operations to demoralize Ukrainian citizens and military personnel are considered, including intimidation through mass casualties, economic collapse, and betrayal at the highest levels of government and military command. The study analyzes methods of creating and disseminating fake news, manipulative videos, outofcontext testimonies, and distorted facts aimed at inciting fear and uncertainty. The psychological impact of such informational pressure on citizens is examined. Directions for minimizing the manipulative influence of fear are proposed, including the development of critical thinking and media literacy, increasing awareness of the psychological mechanisms of fear, forming selfregulation skills, and strengthening information security. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the study of the mechanisms of creating and using fear in informational content, taking into account the specifics of the national media field and cyberspace, as well as in the analysis of methods of its dissemination and perception by future officers in wartime conditions. Prospects for further research are outlined, related to the development and empirical testing of psychological and educational interventions.

SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTORS OF RESILIENCE IN SURGICAL MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

Liudmila Beheza — 2025-12-29

The article examines the social and psychological descriptors of resilience among surgical medical professionals. Empirical research was conducted in 2023–2024 among 267 surgical medical professionals (doctors and nursing staff) working in public and private healthcare institutions. The study used the ‘Professional Resilience Questionnaire (Ukrainian version)’ (Kokun O.M.). The results show that most surgical medical workers have an average level of overall professional resilience, with some professional differences. Surgeons and anaesthesiologists more often demonstrate a high level of overall resilience, particularly in terms of professional control and personal professional component, which reflects a developed sense of influence on professional events and a readiness to act in complex clinical situations. The level of professional commitment among these groups is somewhat lower, which may indicate accumulated exhaustion and prolonged exposure to chronic stress. Operating room nurses and ward nurses are characterised by a higher proportion of indicators with a low emotional component, manifested in exhaustion and reduced emotional involvement, while the motivational component remains at a medium or high level, indicating that the professional significance of their work is maintained. In general, the professional resilience of surgical medical workers is multifaceted and is influenced by their position and length of service, which highlights the need for different approaches to psychological support for different professional groups. Prospects for further research in this area include the development of a programme for psychological support and prevention of maladaptive states in medical personnel and evaluation of its effectiveness.

RESOURCES, COPING STRATEGIES AND POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH IN TRANSCARPATHIA DURING WARTIME

Emoke Berghauer-Olasz — 2025-12-29

The Russian–Ukrainian war has created a prolonged crisis context accompanied by sustained psychosocial burden. The aim of this pilot study was to explore psychological resources, coping strategies, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among mental health helpers in Transcarpathia, with a particular focus on Hungarian-speaking professionals, to compare helper and nonhelper respondents, and to identify predictors of a resilient profile. Standardized self-report measures were applied to assess trauma-related distress (IES-6), coping tendencies (CISS-21), situation-specific coping strategies (Ways of Coping Checklist), and posttraumatic growth (PTGI; adapted version). A factor analysis of the extended CISS-21 block was conducted to refine the coping repertoire. Due to non-normal distributions, non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U) and binary logistic regression were used. Cluster comparisons were conducted in a sample of N=171; helper vs. non-helper comparisons were conducted separately on scale-specific subsamples, and due to missing data, subsample sizes varied (up to n=40 and n=169). Factor analysis identified 11 interpretable coping dimensions. Helpers showed higher rank means in personal growth (p=0.005) and action orientation (p=0.021). Based on mental health indicators, two clusters emerged: a resource-deficient (N=90) and a highfunctioning, resilient cluster (N=81). The resilient cluster was characterized by lower maladaptive emotion-focused coping and rumination, alongside higher levels of problem-focused coping, social support, and religious–spiritual coping (p≤0.016). PTG represented one of the strongest differentiating patterns between clusters (Z=-4.833; p<0.001) and remained a significant predictor in the regression model. These findings suggest that resilience in a war context is associated not only with reduced psychological burden but also with enhanced meaning-making and positive psychological change. Interventions should therefore focus on strengthening problem-focused coping, mobilizing social and spiritual resources, and reducing ruminative processes.

FEATURES OF ROLE DECENTRATION AS A TOOL FOR POSITION ANALYSIS OF THE CONTEXT OF SOCIAL INTERACTION

Oleksandr Gura — 2025-12-29

The article analyzes the features of role decentration as a tool for positional analysis of the context of social interaction. The analysis of understanding the essence of decentration from the standpoint of intrapersonal and interpersonal approaches gave grounds to assert that decentration: 1) is a balancing mechanism for the egocentrism of the individual; a universal, integrative mental property that determines the features of a person’s perception of himself and other people, the essence of which is the ability to switch to the position of another person; 2) as a mental phenomenon, it is characterized by dynamism, the stages of its development – from absence as such to partial, situational, unstable and total, stable; 3) determines the features of the mental development of the individual at all stages of human ontogenesis – from birth to death; 4) is a criterion of the mental health of the individual. Decentration in its structure contains cognitive, emotional, behavioral and value components; manifests itself in four intrapersonal forms and an interpersonal form – role decentration as the ability of an individual to change his own role (gender, age, status, ethnicity, ideological and professional) position and take on the position – the role of another person – a partner in interaction, communication. As a complex mental phenomenon, decentration manifests itself as: a mental process – decentration, a mental state – decentration and a mental property of the individual – decentration, which manifests itself at four levels of development: from egocentricity of the individual to decentration as a professional quality of specialists. The results of an empirical study of the role decentration of future specialists in the social and humanitarian sphere, for whom decentration is one of the leading professional qualities that ensure the success of their professional activities, indicated its insufficient level of development and the importance of actualizing reflexive mechanisms in the process of analyzing the context of social interaction.

ZOOPSYCHOLOGY IN THE MIRROR OF THE HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY

Olena Yevdokimova — 2025-12-29

The article provides a comprehensive historical and scientific analysis of the formation and development of zoopsychology as a separate branch of psychological knowledge, which is formed at the intersection of biology, evolutionary theory, psychology, and ethics of human interaction with animals. It demonstrates that the origins of ideas about the animal psyche can be traced back to ancient philosophy, but the key moment was the emergence of the evolutionary paradigm proposed by Charles Darwin. It substantiated the concept of continuous mental development and created the basis for the comparative scientific study of animal behavior. The contribution of classical trends in psychology, such as behaviorism, experimental psychology, and ethology, which formed the methodology and empirical basis for the study of learning processes, instincts, adaptive behavior, and social interactions in the animal world, is analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the works of E. Thorndike, B.F. Skinner, K. Lorenz, and N. Tinbergen, whose research has become the basis for modern experimental approaches. The features of the current stage of development of zoopsychology are outlined, which is marked by an increased interest in cognitive processes, the emotional sphere, the social intelligence of animals, and interspecies communication. The importance of zoopsychology for applied practical activities is emphasized: veterinary medicine, eco-psychology, nature conservation, zootherapy, animal rehabilitation programs, and the development of a humane attitude towards living beings in society and in the educational environment. The ethical aspects of scientific research and compliance with international standards of humane treatment of animals were raised. It was concluded that modern zoopsychology is an interdisciplinary scientific system that combines fundamental research with applied tasks. It has significant potential for development thanks to the digitalization of science, the improvement of research methods, and the strengthening of a humanistic approach to the coexistence of humans and animals.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AS A PSYCHOLOGICAL RESOURCE FOR SUPPORTING MOTIVATION UNDER STRESSOGENIC CONDITIONS

Iryna Larchenko — 2025-12-29

The article is devoted to the study of emotional intelligence as an internal psychological resource for supporting and maintaining personal motivation under conditions of increased stressogenicity. Relevance of the study. In today’s conditions of global instability, socio-economic crises, and the increasing intensity of stress-inducing influences, the problem of maintaining personal motivation acquires particular scientific and practical significance. Chronic stress is associated with reduced productivity, disrupted emotional balance, and decreased effectiveness of self-regulation, which complicates the preservation of goal-directed activity and motivational stability in educational and professional contexts. Under such circumstances, there is a growing need to identify internal psychological resources that can ensure adaptation to increased demands and support achievement-oriented behavior. One of the key resources is emotional intelligence as an integrated system of abilities/competencies related to recognizing, understanding, and regulating emotions, which mediates processes of self-control, coping, and decision-making. In domestic scholarly discourse, emotional intelligence is interpreted as a factor of motivational self-regulation and stress resilience; empirical studies demonstrate its association with perseverance, engagement, and the prevention of burnout. In international theoretical frameworks, emotional intelligence is linked to the effectiveness of goal setting, self-control, and adaptive emotionregulation strategies that reduce exhaustion and sustain motivational energy under prolonged stress. Therefore, investigating the relationship between emotional intelligence and indicators of the motivational domain under conditions of heightened stress is timely, theoretically grounded, and practically important for developing psychoprophylactic and developmental programs aimed at enhancing motivational stability and psychological well-being. Scientific novelty lies in the comprehensive empirical substantiation of the role of emotional intelligence as a psychological resource for supporting individuals’ autonomous motivation under conditions of increased stressogenicity, achieved through the integration of two independent models of emotional intelligence measurement with indicators of the motivational sphere, perceived stress, and affective states. Practical significance of the study consists in the development and approbation of a psychological program aimed at fostering emotional intelligence as a resource for maintaining motivation under conditions of increased stressogenicity. The obtained results and formulated recommendations can be applied in the practice of professional psychologists, within systems of psychological support for students and employees, as well as in organizational and educational psychology, with the purpose of enhancing motivational stability, improving the effectiveness of self-regulation, and reducing the negative impact of stress factors on the motivational sphere of personality.

EMPIRICAL CONSTRUCTS OF SOCIO-EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE OF MEDICAL WORKERS

Hlib Prib — 2025-12-29

The article is devoted to the analysis of the socio-emotional competence of obstetricians-gynecologists as a factor in professional activity in the medical profession. A theoretical analysis and generalisation of contemporary approaches to understanding socio-emotional competence as an integrative, multi-component formation combining emotional-regulatory, socio-communicative, cognitive and behavioural components whose synergy ensures effective professional communication, self-regulation and psychological stability of the specialist. It has been established that the socio-emotional competence of obstetricians-gynecologists is mostly at an average level of development, which is confirmed by consistent indicators for most structural components. The data indicate the presence of sufficient resources for effective professional interaction, pointing to limited opportunities for resource implementation in conditions of prolonged emotional tension, high responsibility and professional stress. Gender differences were found in the overall indicator of socio-emotional competence (SEC) and its components, such as socio-emotional awareness, self-awareness and social control, with higher values in female obstetricians and gynecologists. The empirical results confirm the relationship between the level of socio-emotional competence and indicators of professional effectiveness, self-regulation, empathy, and stress resistance among healthcare workers. It is emphasised that the development of socio-emotional competence contributes to the optimisation of professional communication with patients, the reduction of psycho-emotional stress and the improvement of the quality of medical care. It has been shown that the development of socio-emotional competence contributes to reducing psycho-emotional stress, preventing professional burnout, and improving the quality of medical care in conditions of high emotional responsibility. It has been concluded that there is a need for the targeted development of socio-emotional competence in the process of professional training and postgraduate education of obstetricians-gynecologists as a component of their professional competence.

RESEARCH ON SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE AND VULNERABILITY OF FIREFIGHTER-RESCUERS OF THE STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE OF UKRAINE UNDER MARTIAL LAW

Ihor Serhiienko — 2025-12-29

This article presents the results of research into the socio-psychological resilience and vulnerability of Ukrainian firefighters during the martial law period. Among professional groups working in extreme conditions, firefighters are vulnerable to emotional stress due to high responsibility and repeated exposure to traumatic events. The article examines the interaction of socio-psychological resilience and vulnerability in the context of professional activity, as well as the role of psychological support in maintaining mental health. It is noted that during wartime firefighters demonstrate a combination of emotional vulnerability and internal resilience, which affects their professional performance and ability to adapt to stressful situations. The study was conducted using an author-developed questionnaire that included six main domains: professional self-efficacy, emotional regulation, stigma and barriers to seeking help, adaptation stress, social support, and psychological adaptability. Statistical analysis involved t-tests to compare mean values between firefighters from different regions, and Cohen’s effect size was used to assess the practical significance of the findings. The results indicate that firefighters from frontline areas exhibit more pronounced emotional overload and higher stigma related to seeking psychological help compared to those working in regions distant from active combat zones. At the same time, firefighters from remote areas demonstrate stronger social support and a more positive attitude toward emotional recovery after stressful situations. The findings emphasize the importance of psychological support systems, regular debriefings, and programs to reduce psychosocial maladaptation and professional burnout in practice under wartime service

MOTIVATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MILITARY PERSONNEL WITH COMBAT EXPERIENCE

Olena Stupnytska — 2025-12-29

The article presents the results of a study on the motivational characteristics of military personnel with combat experience in the context of contemporary psychological, social, and professional challenges of wartime service. The relevance of the study is determined by the prolonged armed conflict, the intensity of combat experience, and the necessity to deepen the understanding of internal psychological determinants that influence servicemen’s professional effectiveness, psychological resilience, and post-combat personal and professional functioning. The focus of the research is the motivational sphere of the serviceman’s personality as a dynamic system that undergoes significant transformations under the impact of combat stress, extreme operational conditions, value shifts, and changes in life-meaning orientations. The purpose of the article is to identify and theoretically and empirically substantiate the specific features of motivation in military personnel with combat experience, as well as to analyze the factors that determine their professional activity, moral readiness, and resistance to emotional exhaustion. The methodological framework of the study is based on the concepts of military, social, and motivational psychology, theories of professional motivation, moral readiness, and psychological resilience of military personnel. The research employed theoretical methods of analysis, synthesis, and generalization of scientific sources, along with empirical psychological methods aimed at studying motivational characteristics in servicemen with varying levels of combat experience, followed by statistical processing and interpretation of the obtained data. The scientific novelty of the research lies in clarifying the structure and content of motivation under combat conditions and identifying dominant motivational factors related to the value-meaning sphere, professional identity, and moral responsibility for military duty. The findings demonstrate a shift in motivational priorities from external incentives toward internal determinants, such as a sense of duty, awareness of the social significance of service, cohesion with comrades, and meaning-making orientations. At the same time, the study reveals potential risks of motivational decline associated with prolonged combat exposure, emotional burnout, and insufficient psychological support. The conclusions substantiate that the motivational sphere of military personnel with combat experience functions as a key psychological resource for maintaining professional effectiveness and psychological stability. The results of the study can be applied in the system of psychological support of military service, command-training programs, and the development of interventions aimed at enhancing motivation, preventing emotional burnout, and strengthening psychological resilience of servicemen under combat conditions.

THE IMPACT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH THYROID DISORDERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Mykhailo Fedorchuk — 2025-12-29

Thyroid disorders are often associated with a substantial psychological burden; however, data on the psychological needs of such patients in Ukraine remain limited. The aim of this study was to identify the psychological support needs of patients with thyroid pathology, analyze the prevalence of psychological problems, coping strategies, and barriers to accessing psychological care. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using an online survey (Google Form). The study involved 51 patients aged 18–68 years with a confirmed diagnosis of thyroid disease. The results revealed five main domains of unmet needs: informational and educational support, psychological and psychotherapeutic care, support from the social environment, accessibility of medical care, and comprehensive monitoring of psycho-emotional and physical health. A significant gap was identified between the need for peer support and its actual availability, as none of the respondents participated in support groups. The main barriers to accessing psychological care were financial constraints, stigmatization of psychological services, and insufficient communication with healthcare professionals. Anxiety was the most prevalent psychological problem (54.9%), followed by sleep disturbances (45.1%), depression (35.3%), and irritability (31.4%); only 15.7% of respondents reported no psychological difficulties. The most commonly used coping strategies included communication with close others, physical activity, and prescribed pharmacotherapy. Social difficulties included increased burden on family members, financial problems, and reduced work capacity. The obtained findings may be used to inform the planning of psychocorrective and rehabilitation interventions for patients with endocrine disorders.