EMPIRICAL STUDY OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF MILITARY SERVICEMEN’S STAY IN CONDITIONS OF FORCED ISOLATION (CAPTION)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of psychological transformations, post-traumatic reactions and personal destruction in military personnel caused by captivity or forced isolation in combat conditions, as well as the identification of social and organizational factors that affect the effectiveness of reintegration and psychological adaptation after release. The empirical study involved military personnel who had experienced captivity or prolonged isolation. To assess their psycho-emotional state and manifestations of post-traumatic stress disorder, a set of psychological techniques was used, which allowed to identify the level of re-experiencing trauma, avoidance, hyperactivation and distress, as well as to assess stress resistance and the ability to social adaptation. In addition, social and organizational support factors were analyzed, including family environment, interaction with fellow soldiers and the level of acceptance by the community, as well as the effectiveness of psychological assistance. Correlation and regression analysis methods were used to process the data obtained, which allowed us to determine the relationships between social support, psychological state and the success of reintegration. It has been empirically confirmed that social support and subjective assessment of the effectiveness of the assistance provided are critical factors in reducing the manifestations of PTSD. The differential impact of different sources of support has been established: family support correlates with a decrease in general distress; interaction with peers contributes to a decrease in hyperactivation; acceptance by the community facilitates overcoming avoidance strategies. It has been found that high trust in professional psychological assistance is the most powerful predictor of a decrease in the intensity of flashbacks and the overall level of traumatization. Psychological rehabilitation and systemic social support are identified as key determinants of the restoration of psycho-emotional stability. The results of the study substantiate the need to implement a multimodal approach to the reintegration of veterans, combining individual therapy, the development of adaptive coping strategies and the formation of a favorable social environment to prevent the chronicity of post-traumatic states.