The Bulletin of National Defence University of Ukraine

The relevance of the topic is determined by the need for scientific understanding of behavioural adaptation strategies, identification of resources and risks that affect the mental health of military personnel, as well as the development of practical recommendations for psychologists, commanders and social workers on supporting personnel, preventing post-traumatic disorders and forming stable behaviour patterns in wartime. The aim of the article was to analyse the psychological mechanisms and behavioural strategies of social adaptation of military personnel, identify key factors affecting its effectiveness, and outline scientific approaches to assessing the adaptive potential of individuals in wartime conditions. The study used a set of methods covering emotional, motivational, behavioural, and interpersonal aspects. The Life Style Index, Rogers-Diamond Self-Perception Assessment, Cattell’s 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire, Ritchie-Martin’s motivational profile, and the Leary test made it possible to assess lifestyle, level of adaptation, motivational attitudes, and personality traits. The formation of the lifestyle of servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was considered as a multi-component process of socio-psychological adaptation, covering internal psychological mechanisms and external social influences. Factor and factual components were identified, as well as types of lifestyles in accordance with psychological defence mechanisms. A high level of development of adaptive components was found in most respondents, as well as the presence of destructive interpersonal traits in some military personnel, which requires psychological correction. Correlation analysis showed a close relationship between defence mechanisms and lifestyle, which broadens the understanding of the adaptive potential of the individual in the context of military service. The data obtained open up prospects for further research into the motivational sphere, emotional intelligence and interpersonal interaction of military personnel. The practical value of the study lies in establishing a relationship between lifestyle and social adaptation, which allows these concepts to be used as a tool for diagnosing and correcting adaptation processes in the military environment

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