The dynamics of personality adaptation mechanisms under conditions of prolonged armed conflict.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46991/BYSU.E/2025.16.2.049Keywords:
adaptation mechanisms, continuous traumatic stress, armed conflict, defense mechanisms, coping strategies, mental state, basic assumptionsAbstract
This paper examines the theoretical and methodological foundations for studying the dynamics of personality adaptation mechanisms under conditions of prolonged armed conflict. The relevance of the topic stems from the need to comprehend the processes of psychological adaptation under sustained exposure to extreme stressors that go beyond the classical understanding of traumatic situations. The study draws on the systemic and subject-activity approaches, as well as contemporary conceptual frameworks that expand the understanding of adaptation, including the theories of resilience, continuous traumatic stress (CTS), and basic assumptions. In this work, adaptation mechanisms are viewed as an interconnected system influenced by internal (mental state, basic assumptions) and external (characteristics of stress exposure, social support, and context) factors.
The empirical section presents data from a pilot study involving three groups differing in their experience of living in a conflict zone. Based on these data, the paper provides a step-by-step rationale for the selection of diagnostic instruments. The following validated methods were used: Psychological Defense Measurement Scale (E.R. Pilyugina, R.F. Suleymanov), Method for the Determination of Individual Coping Strategies (MDICS) by E. Heim, «Dominant States» by L.V. Kulikov, World Assumptions Scale (WAS) by R. Janoff-Bulman, an original biographical questionnaire.
The results revealed intergroup differences in defense profiles, coping strategies, psychoemotional states, and cognitive attitudes. Correlational analysis identified stable links between adaptation components, including associations between emotional regulation, a positive self-image, and subjective control, as well as the maladaptive role of avoidance and rationalization under conditions of prolonged stress. These findings are interpreted as reflections of the specific nature of adaptation to continuous stress exposure. The study emphasizes the need for an integrative approach that considers both individual and contextual variables. The findings support the hypothesis of the dynamic nature of adaptation mechanisms and provide a foundation for future research directions.
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