PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE EMOTIONAL STATE OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS

Abstract

The article presents a theoretical and analytical review of the psychological aspects of the emotional state of internally displaced persons in the context of war and prolonged social instability. The relevance of the study is determined by the significant increase in the number of internally displaced persons in Ukraine and the need for a scientifically grounded understanding of the specificity of their emotional experiences, mental health, and adaptive capacity. The purpose of the article is to generalize the results of contemporary Ukrainian scientific studies devoted to the analysis of the emotional states of internally displaced persons and to identify key psychological factors contributing to the development of maladaptive emotional reactions. The methodological framework of the study includes theoretical analysis, systematization, and generalization of national scientific sources addressing issues of psychological adaptation, stress, and traumatic experiences. The article highlights the characteristic manifestations of the emotional state of internally displaced persons, including increased anxiety, emotional exhaustion, depressive experiences, as well as tendencies toward the formation of victim syndrome and adjustment disorders. Particular attention is paid to age-related differences in emotional experiences and to the dynamics of psychological states under conditions of prolonged stress. The findings substantiate the necessity of comprehensive psychological support for internally displaced persons, aimed at stabilizing their emotional state, restoring internal psychological resources, and developing adaptive coping strategies. The results of the study may serve as a theoretical basis for the improvement of psychological assistance programs for internally displaced persons in conditions of long-term crisis. The article presents the results of an empirical study of the emotional sphere of internally displaced persons (IDPs), in which a set of psychodiagnostic methods was used, including the «Differential Emotions Scale» by C. Izard, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory by Spielberger–Hanin, the Depression Self-Rating Scale by U. Zung, and the Aggression Questionnaire by Cook–Medley. The diagnostic results demonstrated a high level of psycho-emotional tension, elevated situational anxiety, manifestations of depression, and negative emotions. The study confirms the need to develop psychocorrectional support programs for IDPs, aimed primarily at stabilizing their emotional state, reducing stress levels, and increasing stress resilience among this population.