STUDY OF PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG FIREFIGHTERSRESCUERS OF THE STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE OF UKRAINE UNDER MARTIAL LAW

Abstract

During martial law, firefighter-rescuers of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine combine emergency response with mitigation of the consequences of hostilities, which is accompanied by repeated traumatic exposure, disrupted recovery, and an increased risk of psycho-emotional exhaustion. Social support is a key psychosocial resource that may enhance well-being and buffer the effects of stressors. The aim of this study was to determine whether perceived social support (by sources and overall) differs among rescuers depending on the territorial context of service. The study employed a cross-sectional comparative design; the sample comprised 227 firefighter-rescuers with at least 6 years of service. Perceived social support was assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), including the subscales «significant others», «family», «friends», and the total score. Two independent groups were compared: regions remote from the active combat zone (Kyiv and Cherkasy oblasts; n=119) and regions with higher wartime strain located closer to the combat zone (Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts; n=108). Between-group differences were tested using Student’s t-test; practical significance was evaluated with Cohen’s d (95% CI). In the more remote regions, perceived support was higher from family (p=3.042×10^-5; d=0.566), significant others (p=0.038; d=0.278), and in the overall MSPSS score (p=2.230×10^-4; d=0.499); no differences were found for support from friends (p=0.623; d=0.065). These findings support differentiated planning of psychosocial and organizational interventions in frontline-adjacent units, with a focus on family-partner resources and team interaction.