The nature of combat stress development during military operations and psychotherapy in extreme situations

Abstract

Military operations and direct exposure to extreme conditions can deprive soldiers of a full physical and emotional life through a powerful traumatic impact that causes acute mental trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and panic attacks, which lead to disharmony in the inner world and destruction of the perception of reality. The purpose of the research work is the theoretical and empirical analysis of the study of the nature of combat stress in military personnel and the assessment of psychotherapeutic methods of providing psychological assistance in extreme situations. The authors used the following methods to achieve this goal: method of analysis and synthesis, hermeneutic method, testing method, comparative method and generalisation method. The results of the research work have revealed the meaning of traumatic stress, psychological trauma and combat mental trauma, explained the concept of combat stress and the dynamics of its growth. The findings identified the factors of post-traumatic stress syndrome and its prevalence, tracked down the dynamics of psycho-emotional disorders and revealed the importance of military psychological selection and determination of combat readiness. The authors established the main tasks of a staff psychologist in working with military personnel, conducted an empirical study of the nature of combat stress in the military, observed main psychotherapeutic tools for the prevention of negative mental states in combat conditions and investigated self-regulation techniques of emotional, physical and mental health. The practical significance of the scientific work lies in the modern coverage of the phenomenon of combat stress and the classification of effective psychotherapeutic methods that will ensure the sustainable psychological preparation of the soldiers for extreme situations. These methods also include support of optimal psychological and emotional state, rehabilitation life-saving support for healthy mental functioning and effective implementation of strategic tasks.