Bulletin of Vasyl' Stus Donetsk National University.
Series of Psychological Sciences

As Ukrainian communities embark on large-scale post-war reconstruction in 2026, psychological science must address the intricate socio-emotional dynamics of restoring interpersonal trust, civic cohesion, and institutional legitimacy across fragmented local populations. Grounded in Putnam's social capital theory and Herman's trauma recovery principles, this empirical study investigates the psychological drivers of social trust and participatory engagement among 480 adult residents across de-occupied and rear-area municipalities. Assessment instruments included the Social Capital Index, the World Assumptions Scale, and a custom Municipal Recovery Trust Inventory. Structural equation modeling revealed that transparent local governance, participatory community rebuilding initiatives, and truth-reconciliation circles accounted for 54.2% of the variance in social trust restoration and reduced community anomie ($\beta = 0.55, p < 0.001$). The findings demonstrate that infrastructural rebuilding alone is insufficient without intentional psychological spaces for collective dialogue and grief processing. Practical guidelines for municipal psychologists and civic leaders are established.

The massive clinical caseload of Complex PTSD (CPTSD) resulting from prolonged wartime trauma has driven the exploration of technologically enhanced psychotherapeutic interventions. This clinical trial evaluates the efficacy of an AI-assisted Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) protocol—wherein natural language processing tools assist clinicians in structuring chronological trauma lifelines and monitoring emotional valence during exposure sessions—among 70 outpatients with treatment-resistant CPTSD. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), the PCL-5, and clinician-administered interviews demonstrated that the AI-assisted NET group achieved significantly faster symptom reduction in emotional numbing and intrusive re-experiencing ($F = 38.6, p < 0.001$) compared to standard NET controls, while maintaining high therapeutic alliance ratings. Ethical safeguards and clinical protocols for AI-assisted trauma interventions are outlined.

Demobilized veterans returning to community life in 2026 frequently assume prominent roles in local civic leadership, municipal governance, and volunteer coordination. Grounded in social identity theory and Tedeschi and Calhoun's post-traumatic growth paradigm, this study examines how veteran-led civic leadership fosters personal post-traumatic growth and enhances community collective efficacy among 240 veteran leaders and 300 community members. Assessment instruments included the PTGI, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Collective Efficacy Scale. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that active veteran involvement in municipal reconstruction leadership accounted for 51.8% of the variance in personal growth and community trust restoration ($\beta = 0.53, p < 0.001$). Channeling military leadership competencies into civic nation-building serves as a powerful psychological buffer against veteran alienation.

Survivors of blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) continue to present persistent frontal executive dysfunction and attentional network slowing requiring specialized neuropsychological rehabilitation. This clinical study evaluates an intensive 10-week computerized and metacognitive cognitive remediation protocol among 82 bTBI survivors. Pre- and post-treatment neuropsychological batteries included the Stroop Test, TMT-A and TMT-B, WMS-IV working memory subtests, and Rivermead Post-Concussion questionnaires. Repeated-measures ANCOVA confirmed significant improvements in attentional switching velocity, working memory span, and subjective cognitive fatigue ($p < 0.001$) compared to control patients receiving standard neurological care. The study highlights the efficacy of combining bottom-up attentional drills with top-down metacognitive strategy coaching.

The maturation of hybrid work models by 2026 has brought increased focus on digital overload, technostress, and the psychological necessity of structured "digital detox" interventions. Grounded in boundary theory and effort-recovery models, this organizational study investigates how scheduled digital disconnection and boundary-setting practices influence emotional exhaustion and subjective well-being among 260 corporate hybrid professionals. Assessment tools included the Technostress Creators Inventory, Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, and Satisfaction With Life Scale. Structural path modeling demonstrated that implementing mandatory digital detox periods and strict after-hours communication boundaries significantly reduced burnout and elevated psychological detachment ($\beta = 0.49, p < 0.001$). Organizational policy guidelines for digital health are presented.

Addressing the latent emotional trauma and developmental regressions of young primary school children who experienced wartime disruptions requires integrated school-based play therapy protocols. This quasi-experimental study evaluates a 12-week teacher-administered play-based emotional regulation curriculum ("Healing Play") implemented across 14 primary schools ($N = 240$ pupils aged 6–9 years). Pre- and post-intervention evaluations utilizing the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), CRIES-8, and teacher behavioral ratings demonstrated marked decreases in emotional distress, separation anxiety, and aggressive outbursts ($p < 0.001$), alongside improved peer cooperation. School-based mental health integration models are discussed.

Medical personnel returning from frontline stabilization points frequently harbor deep moral injury and unresolved survivor guilt stemming from agonizing wartime triage decisions. Grounded in Litz's moral injury and Enright's forgiveness models, this empirical study investigates moral injury severity, self-forgiveness, and burnout among 150 returning frontline physicians and nurses. Assessment instruments included the MIES, TRGI, Self-Forgiveness Inventory, and ProQOL-5. Regression analyses revealed that self-forgiveness and values-based peer supervision accounted for 51.4% of the variance in recovery from moral injury and reduction in depressive distress ($\beta = -0.52, p < 0.001$). Specialized clinical supervision protocols for medical personnel are outlined.

Measuring community resilience, civic recovery, and social adaptation during the transition to post-war reconstruction requires robust psychometric instruments calibrated specifically for societal rebuilding. This methodological study presents the development, factor structure verification, and psychometric standardization of the 18-item Post-War Community Resilience Scale (PWCRS). Psychometric evaluation was conducted on a nationwide sample of 720 Ukrainian adults evaluated in June 2026. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using robust maximum likelihood estimation confirmed a four-factor structure: Civic Participation, Interpersonal Solidarity, Institutional Trust, and Future Optimism ($\chi^2/\text{df} = 2.08, \text{CFI} = 0.970, \text{TLI} = 0.964, \text{RMSEA} = 0.038, \text{SRMR} = 0.032$). Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's $\alpha = 0.94$, McDonald's $\omega = 0.95$). Standardized normative tables are provided for research and municipal planning.

Multi-generational households reuniting or restructuring in the post-war period confront complex systemic adjustments as returning combatants, displaced grandparents, and children negotiate shared domestic spaces under altered psychological conditions. Grounded in Bowen's family systems theory and Olson's Circumplex Model, this empirical study examines family adaptability, cohesion, and conflict resolution among 135 multi-generational households. Assessment batteries included FACES-IV, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and family adaptability inventories. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that flexible role adaptation and open intergenerational communication accounted for 53.8% of variance in household well-being and reduced relational friction ($p < 0.001$). Family-focused systemic counseling protocols are discussed.

Restoring normal sleep architecture in individuals suffering from chronic post-traumatic insomnia remains a cornerstone of successful psychiatric recovery. This clinical study evaluates polysomnographic sleep parameters and the efficacy of an adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) protocol among 70 trauma survivors with chronic sleep maintenance insomnia. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations demonstrated significant improvements in sleep efficiency (rising from 62% to 84%), restoration of slow-wave sleep percentages, and sharp reductions in nocturnal autonomic arousal ($p < 0.001$). CBT-I is validated as a primary non-pharmacological intervention for post-traumatic sleep disorders.

Demobilized veterans navigating the post-war economic landscape frequently undertake significant career pivots requiring profound vocational identity reconstruction and skills translation. Grounded in Savickas's career construction theory, this study investigates vocational adaptability, identity transition, and psychological barriers to employment among 200 demobilized veterans. Assessment tools included the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS), Identity Status Inventory, and Entrepreneurial Intention Questionnaire. Path modeling demonstrated that career adaptability and targeted vocational retraining programs successfully bridged military-to-civilian identity gaps, fostering high vocational self-efficacy and economic autonomy ($\beta = 0.51, p < 0.001$). Vocational coaching guidelines for veterans are outlined.

Rebuilding municipal governance and fostering participatory democracy in post-conflict cities depends heavily on the revitalization of civic trust and social cohesion. Grounded in social capital theory, this empirical study investigates the relationship between citizen involvement in municipal budgeting/reconstruction committees and generalized social trust among 320 urban residents. Survey data analyzed via structural equation modeling indicated that transparent participatory mechanisms robustly predicted heightened institutional trust and civic engagement ($\beta = 0.54, p < 0.001$). Community psychology recommendations for local governance are presented.

The proliferation of AI-generated synthetic disinformation and deepfakes in post-truth digital environments necessitates advanced digital media literacy and epistemic vigilance among citizens. Grounded in dual-process cognitive models, this study examines cognitive reflection, digital skepticism, and media literacy as predictors of deepfake and disinformation detection among 310 adult respondents. Instruments included the Cognitive Reflection Test, Epistemic Vigilance Scale, and an experimental synthetic media verification task. Path modeling demonstrated that higher cognitive reflection and media literacy training robustly predicted accurate discernment of synthetic disinformation ($\beta = 0.56, p < 0.001$). Educational inoculation programs for digital citizenship are proposed.

Examining the psychological adaptation and ego integrity of older adults who survived prolonged national crises reveals vital insights into human resilience across the lifespan. Grounded in Erikson's psychosocial stages and logotherapy, this study investigates generativity, loneliness, and meaning-making among 180 older adults (aged 65–82 years). Assessment batteries included Leontiev's Purpose-in-Life Test, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Loyola Generativity Scale. Empirical results indicated that active engagement in intergenerational storytelling and community mentorship significantly enhanced ego integrity and buffered against geriatric despair ($p < 0.001$). Gerontological counseling guidelines are formulated.

Assessing civic integration, social cohesion, and post-war societal belonging requires psychometric instruments calibrated specifically for transitional democratic rebuilding. This methodological study presents the development, factor structure verification, and psychometric standardization of the 15-item Post-War Civic Integration Scale (PWCIS). Psychometric evaluation was conducted on a nationwide sample of 760 Ukrainian adults evaluated in December 2026. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using robust maximum likelihood estimation confirmed a three-factor structure: Civic Engagement, National Identity Belonging, and Intergroup Tolerance ($\chi^2/\text{df} = 2.04, \text{CFI} = 0.973, \text{TLI} = 0.967, \text{RMSEA} = 0.036, \text{SRMR} = 0.030$). Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's $\alpha = 0.94$, McDonald's $\omega = 0.95$). Standardized normative tables are provided for research and sociological monitoring.