Psychoemotional State and Social Activity of Student Youth in the Conditions of War: a Sociological Analysis

Abstract

This article presents the results of two waves of the sociological research "Students and War" conducted at Drohobych State Pedagogical University of Ivan Franko on June 20-27, 2022 and September 12-21, 2022. Based on the obtained data, the dynamics of psycho-emotional states of student youth were studied, a comparison of attitudes regarding the prospects of their future and the future of Ukraine after the victory in the war was made, the issue of social activity of student youth in war conditions was studied, in particular, their involvement in volunteer activities. It is shown that military topics have not lost their relevance in the youth environment even after seven months of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war. The predominant use of Ukrainian information resources by students has been demonstrated. It is emphasized that the war significantly affects the psycho-emotional state of youth. The level of accumulation of negative emotions related to the war, and at the same time the growth of optimistic moods of student youth, their confidence in the victory of Ukraine, and the reduction of anxiety, pessimism, hopelessness and confusion were determined. The increasing number of those, who was directly affected by the war in seven months of the war has been confirmed. Despite the duration of the war, it is emphasized that the level of faith of our students in victory only increased. It was found that for more than six months of the war, the level of social activity of young Ukrainians increased significantly primarily due to their involvement in volunteer initiatives. It is shown that with the duration of the war, the attitude of student youth towards the prospects of their own future has somewhat increased in doubt and confusion. Instead, the results of the study showed a noticeable increase in the sense of hope and optimistic feeling of the future of the Ukrainian state among the students.