Psychological Characteristics of the Emotional Sphere of Internally Displaced Persons from the First and Second Waves

Abstract

This article is dedicated to the study of the psychological characteristics of the emotional sphere of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the first wave (2014) and the second wave (2022). The consequences of forced internal migration due to the danger of military actions in both 2014 and 2022 for Ukrainians have resulted in significant changes on economic, social, cultural, and psychological levels. Leaving their comfort zones, citizens from "hot spots" found themselves in the "trap" of the unknown, which often led to the emergence of intrapersonal conflicts: a lack of desire and motivation to change their location while simultaneously being physically unable to stay in their homes and familiar environments. A person's living space gradually deteriorated: their moral values and plans were no longer important or achievable, leading to uncertainty and a sense of insecurity about the future, fear for their own lives and the lives of their loved ones, which caused a shift in their emotional state, chronic fear and stress, feelings of anxiety, heightened guilt, and irritability due to the inability to influence the situation, among others. The practical significance of the presented study is determined by the need for a comprehensive analysis of the emotional and mental states of internally displaced persons, their situational feelings of danger, and the determination of levels of anxiety and depression to overcome these issues and return to a normative way of life. The formulated conclusions may be useful in identifying potential at-risk groups among the Ukrainian population, developing psycho-correctional programs, and conducting psychotherapeutic groups.