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Ricerche di Psicologia/Psychological Research Journal - Open Access

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Features of experiencing chronic stress during martial law

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3280/rip2025oa21976
Inviata
2 febbraio 2026
Pubblicato
04-03-2026

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of Ukrainian adolescents’ reactions to martial law and related stressful situations. To achieve this goal, a comparative analysis of the results of a survey conducted in 2025 was conducted, in which 127 adolescents aged 15-16 years from Kyiv, Ukraine, and 105 of their peers from Mississauga, Canada, participated. The questionnaire covered four scales: emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and physiological. The study also included interviews with three class teachers and four subject teachers from a school in Kyiv to identify stress factors in Ukrainian adolescents. According to the results of the comparative analysis, high stress levels were three times more common among Ukrainian adolescents (40%) than among their Canadian peers (12%). In terms of the emotional sphere, the percentage of Ukrainian respondents who were in a state of constant emotional calm and confidence was lower than that of Canadian respondents – 30% and 45.7%, respectively. In terms of cognitive functioning, there was also a discrepancy between the percentage of Ukrainian (36%) and Canadian (28.6%) students who had difficulty concentrating and memorising. Behavioural responses to stress manifested themselves, in particular, in the form of conflicts, the regularity of which was reported by 22% of Kyiv students; Canadian students (50%), on the other hand, were predominantly in a state of emotional calm and productive social interaction. On a physiological level, headaches, frequent illnesses and other symptoms were more common among Kyiv students than among Canadian students. During interviews with class teachers and subject teachers, age-related, political and socio-cultural stressors were identified, on the basis of which the following recommendations were made: reducing academic workload, conducting regular psychological training, and working with parents to create a favourable atmosphere for development. The results of the study can be used to improve the psychological resilience of adolescents and promote their harmonious development in conditions of uncertainty caused by the state of war.

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