MECHANISMS OF ADOLESCENTS' ADAPTATION TO CONDITIONS OF WAR TRAUMA: THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive theoretical and methodological analysis of adolescent adaptation mechanisms to the extreme conditions of war traumatization, which stands as one of the most acute issues in contemporary psychological science and practice. Particular attention is paid to the specificity of the pubertal period as a stage of intensive personal transformation, where the intersection of developmental crises and chronic war stress creates significant risks for identity destruction and the formation of persistent psychopathological states. The research is based on the understanding of adaptation not merely as a process of adjusting to external changes, but as an active internal restructuring of the personality to preserve the integrity of the Self-concept.

The author provides a detailed exploration of the cognitive, emotional, and social determinants of the adaptive process. The study is centered on the analysis of R. Lazarus and S. Folkman’s model of cognitive appraisal, which explains the variability of subjective threat perception and the subsequent selection of coping strategies. A significant focus is placed on the concept of resilience and the role of emotional intelligence as fundamental internal resources that enable adolescents not only to withstand traumatic events but also to transform destructive experiences into a vector for post-traumatic growth. The impact of the disruption of basic trust in the world on the social activity and interpersonal communication of young people is also examined.

It is proven that professional psychological assistance is a critically important external factor that stabilizes personal resilience during periods of high uncertainty. The article details and systematizes effective tools for psychosocial recovery. Specifically, it highlights the potential of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in transforming dysfunctional beliefs; the role of art-therapeutic techniques in providing a safe space for the verbalization and processing of suppressed emotions such as fear, anger, and guilt; and the importance of group support in overcoming social isolation and restoring a sense of solidarity.

A special emphasis is placed on the necessity of implementing a systemic multidisciplinary approach. It is substantiated that the successful rehabilitation of an adolescent is impossible without the active involvement of the family environment and the creation of a psychologically safe educational space. The article emphasizes that only the integration of efforts by psychologists, educators, social workers, and parents is a key condition for preventing the chronicity of PTSD and facilitating the full social integration of youth, ensuring a foundation for the mental health of future generations in the post-war period.