The Anxiety and Aggression as Psychosocial Reactions of The Population in Wartime Conditions: Geographical Dimension

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study comparing anxiety and aggression levels among different groups of respondents, differentiated by their location during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to the analysis, the levels of anxiety and aggression vary significantly depending on the respondents' places of residence. The lowest anxiety levels were observed among those who were abroad, where the absence of direct life-threatening risks contributed to a reduction in stress-inducing factors. The highest levels of anxiety were found among respondents who returned to Ukraine after staying abroad, which can be explained by the contrast between the safe environment abroad and the dangerous conditions in their home country. Similar results were found regarding aggression, with the lowest levels observed in those who were abroad, and the highest among internally displaced persons (IDPs) and those who remained in their homes amid the ongoing conflict. The highest aggression levels were seen in IDPs and those staying in Ukraine, where the constant threat to life and the need to adapt to wartime conditions increase tension and aggression. Additionally, it was noted that the group returning from abroad showed increased anxiety due to the stress of returning to a conflict zone. The socio-psychological context of individuals' experiences plays a crucial role in shaping their emotional and behavioral responses in the context of war. It was concluded that, in situations of constant life-threatening risks and adaptation to extreme circumstances, psychosocial support should focus on fostering resilience and reducing stress reactions, especially among groups returning to conflict zones.