STABILIZATION OF THE MENTAL STATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS IN THE CONDITIONS OF WAR

Abstract

The article examines the changes in the mental state of first, bachelor's, and second, master's level students in the specialty 053 Psychology, which occurred as a result of the war in Ukraine. The authors analyze the reactions of future psychologists to traumatic events, their needs and peculiarities of interaction with others, as well as peculiarities of mental state. Psychological-pedagogical approaches to the conduct of training classes in wartime conditions have been developed. Empirical research was conducted using observation, feedback analysis and questionnaires. It was found that students had different reactions to traumatic events: acute reaction, psychological exhaustion, heightened emotionality, maximum sensitivity to existential issues, desire to speak out, share one's thoughts and impressions. A high risk of conflict situations was also revealed due to the maximum degree of polarization in society and condemnation of attempts to take a detached position. As a result of applying stabilization techniques (breathing, grounding) at the beginning of classes, creating a safe atmosphere in groups, conducting training and counseling classes for all interested students, the emotional state of future psychologists improved. They began to better endure the general uncertainty of everyday existence, they had more tools for independent understanding of surrounding events and clarification of their own life situation. Students also noted a restoration of their ability to fully participate in the process of learning. The authors also paid special attention to revealing the content of the universal professional position of a teacher of psychological disciplines, which involves a combination of the positions of a teacher, facilitator, psychologist-consultant and leader of psychological assistance groups.