Psychological vulnerability of students under conditions of prolonged traumatic stress of war

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the impact of prolonged traumatic stress on the psychological well-being of Ukrainian students. An attempt has been made to examine the peculiarities of psychological vulnerability among students of the O. Bohomolets National Medical University, investigate the stress level, and identify the main psychological difficulties they face during their studies in wartime conditions. It is believed that studying these aspects will allow for a better understanding of their needs and challenges and provide a substantiated approach to developing strategies for psychosocial support and enhancing their ability to cope with modern challenges while maintaining stable levels of psycho-emotional and physical functioning under stress. The article analyzes the consequences of prolonged traumatic stress on mental health, identifying factors that contribute to high levels of psychological trauma during wartime. It is substantiated that factors increasing vulnerability to stress, unrelated to the traumatic event itself, include young age, female gender, low socioeconomic status, previous psychological trauma, lack of socio-psychological support, and limited access to stress-coping resources. The study reveals that, in the context of prolonged war, students of medical higher education institutions experience a high level of stress. The most pronounced symptoms include physiological and psychological exhaustion, chronic fatigue, social isolation, high anxiety and worry, cognitive dysfunction, emotional instability, sleep disturbances or insomnia, eating behavior disorders, and psychosomatic issues. High levels of emotional and cognitive workload adversely affect academic performance and overall productivity. Finally, practical steps and prospects for improving educational strategies are defined, aimed at fostering psychological competence and promoting the development of resilience in future medical professionals.