THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PHENOMENON OF COMBAT FATIGUE AND ITS DIFFERENTIATION FROM RELATED MENTAL STATES

Abstract

The article is devoted to a theoretical analysis of the phenomenon of combat fatigue and its differentiation from related psychological states. The study analyzes Ukrainian and international scholarly works addressing combat stress, combat fatigue, acute stress reaction, burnout, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The evolution of scientific views on combat fatigue is traced from the concepts of “shell shock” and “war neurosis” to its contemporary understanding as a psychophysiological response to prolonged exposure to combat stress. The main approaches to defining combat fatigue are summarized, its contributing factors and clinical and psychological manifestations are characterized, and the role of the duration and intensity of combat-related demands in its development is determined. Particular attention is paid to comparing combat fatigue with combat stress, acute stress reaction, burnout, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Their common and distinctive features are identified in terms of causes, mechanisms, temporal dynamics, clinical status, and functional consequences. A summary table systematizes the findings of the theoretical analysis and clarifies the position of combat fatigue among related psychological states. The importance of distinguishing these phenomena for accurate psychological assessment and the selection of appropriate preventive measures and psychological support for military personnel is substantiated. It is concluded that combat fatigue is an independent psychophysiological phenomenon resulting from prolonged exposure to combat stress and depletion of adaptive resources. Unlike mental disorders, it is functional and potentially reversible with timely recovery and psychological support. Further empirical research into the structure and dynamics of combat fatigue is needed.