Mechanisms of Psychological Adaptation of Citizens to Post-War Reality and Overcoming Traumatic Experience

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of psychological support programmes and initiatives in facilitating citizens’ adaptation to post-war reality and in reducing the consequences of traumatic experience. The methodology included theoretical analysis, statistical analysis of the prevalence of traumatic experience, and methods of systematisation and classification to identify ways of overcoming traumatic experience and to generalise the mechanisms of psychological adaptation to post-war conditions. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in different countries following armed conflicts was examined and demonstrated significant variation. In the general world population, post-traumatic stress syndrome is estimated at approximately 3-4.4%. Among the civilian population of the Balkans (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia) after the conflicts of the 1990s, post-traumatic stress syndrome was observed in 16-34%, while in the most vulnerable subgroups, such as displaced women, it reached up to 50%. In Vietnam, among veterans of the Vietnam War, rates of PTSD range from approximately 12-18%. In Cambodia, prevalence varies from 7.3% in the general population to 11.2-14.2% in affected groups. In Ukraine during the war of 2022-2024, 25.9% of the adult population and 23.5% of young people met the criteria for PTSD, while among children and adolescents who sought psychological assistance, the rates reached about 70%. Effective approaches to comprehensive and multilevel psychosocial rehabilitation aimed at reducing symptoms of PTSD, stabilising emotional states, restoring social activity and interpersonal relationships, and fostering resilience and post-traumatic growth among various population groups, including children, adolescents, internally displaced persons, and veterans, were identified. The study emphasised the importance of an individualised and resource-oriented approach, early intervention, and the integration of psychotherapeutic and psychosocial programmes into health care systems in order to ensure long-term recovery from traumatic events. The practical significance of this work lies in its potential application by psychologists, psychotherapists, medical professionals, and social services to provide effective support for citizens in overcoming post-traumatic stress and adapting to post-war reality.