The Bulletin of National Defence University of Ukraine

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  • Vol. 20, No. 6, 2025

  • Transgenerational transmission of stress among internally displaced persons: Empirical analysis and family psychoeducation

  • Received 16.06.2025,
  • Revised 18.10.2025,
  • Accepted 27.11.2025
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Vol. 20, No. 6, 2025
  • family dynamics; forced displacement; children’s psycho-emotional distress; parental stress; resilience; post-traumatic growth
  • https://doi.org/10.33099/2617-6858-25-20-6-68-75
  • Pages 68-75

The relevance of the issue stems from the fact that the psychological consequences of forced displacement, in particular chronic stress and intensified post-traumatic symptoms, may give rise to mechanisms of transgenerational transmission of trauma due to the psycho-emotional interdependence of family members. The aim of the study was to examine the transgenerational transmission of stress in Ukrainian families of internally displaced persons under martial law and to develop an appropriate psychoeducational programme. The hypotheses put forward on the basis of a theoretical analysis of the source base were empirically tested. A high level of stress and trauma was found among the study group (26 people, including 13 adults aged 41 to 48 and 13 children aged 10 to 11). Half of the adults who are internally displaced persons tend to assess their current life as unpredictable, and the level of post-traumatic stress symptoms in children indicates a high probability of disorder. A statistically significant positive correlation was also found between the level of stress perceived by parents and the overall level of psycho-emotional distress in their children, confirming the mechanism of transgenerational transmission of stress. The empirical data obtained and the analysis of current psychological research formed the basis for the development of an appropriate family psychoeducational programme, which aims to improve the psycho-emotional state of children by supporting parental perception of stress and family dynamics. The programme includes components aimed at raising participants’ awareness of stress and stress disorders, developing coping strategies and promoting post-traumatic growth. The practical significance is represented in the development of a family psychoeducational programme that combines the principles of working with the negative psychological consequences of war and the opportunities for post-traumatic growth in wartime conditions. The results of the study can be used to create programmes of social and psychological support for families of internally displaced persons, which will contribute to the mental health of families both in Ukraine and abroad

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