The Impact of Combat Stress Factors on the Psychological Readiness of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Directions of Psychological Support

The article is devoted to analysing the impact of combat stress factors on the psychological readiness of servicemen of the Airborne Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The importance of research in the context of martial law, which places increasing demands on the mental resilience of military personnel, is emphasised. The main objective of the study is to identify specific aspects of the impact of combat stressors on the psychological state of personnel and to develop directions for optimal psychological support. The study uses systematic, psychodiagnostic and analytical approaches, which made it possible to investigate the level of stress resistance of military personnel and identify key risk factors. It was found that the most significant stressors are high-intensity combat operations, prolonged exposure to dangerous conditions, the experience of losing comrades, and sensory exhaustion. The psychological consequences of such effects were assessed, including impaired emotional regulation, reduced ability to concentrate, and increased anxiety. Based on the results obtained, a number of psychological support measures were proposed, including the development of psychoprophylaxis programmes, group training to increase stress resistance, crisis intervention, and individual counselling. The theoretical significance of the study lies in the systematisation of knowledge about the mechanisms of combat stress on the psyche of military personnel, and its practical value lies in the formulation of recommendations for improving the psychological readiness of personnel. The scientific novelty of the work is determined by the justification of a comprehensive approach to providing psychological support in conditions of active combat operations.