Purpose-in-life orientations as a psychological resource for the resilience of Donbas youth living in a military conflict zone

The purpose of the study is to conduct a theoretical analysis of purpose-in-life orientations and personal resilience, and to empirically investigate purpose-in-life orientations as a psychological resource supporting resilience among university students living in a military conflict zone. Research methods and organization. The study employed a theoretical analysis of domestic and foreign scientific works; empirical methods (survey, testing): the 'Test of Meaningful Life Orientations' (MLO, D.A. Leontiev), the 'Hardiness Test' by S. Maddi, adapted by D.A. Leontiev and E.I. Rasskazova; statistical methods for data analysis, with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient used to measure relationships. The study involved students (both male and female) aged 17-20 from various cities of the Donetsk People's Republic. Research results and conclusions. The conducted study revealed a positive correlation between indicators of purpose-in-life orientations and the components of resilience in young people who have been living for an extended period under conditions of armed conflict. It has been established that purpose-in-life orientations among student youth in the Donbass conflict zone serve as a system-forming psychological resource, significantly influencing the resilience of an individual. They provide support during periods of stress and uncertainty, allowing individuals to reassess situations, maintain motivation, and preserve a sense of integrity. The obtained data showed that young people who were able to preserve or restructure their meanings (goals, conviction in the value of life, and their ability to manage it) also demonstrate a higher potential for resilience. The development and support of meaning-related resources is a key focus for enhancing the psychological stability of youth. The results of the study are of particular scientific and practical interest, as they reflect the functioning of the meaning-making sphere of youth in extreme conditions associated with military conflict.