Stress resilience as a determinant of women’s psychological well-being during war

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of stress resilience in maintaining psychological well-being among women aged 21–40, with particular consideration of the moderating effect of willpower in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war. The study sample comprised 152 women residing in Ukraine under relatively safe conditions. Three standardised methods were employed: C. Ryffs Scales of Psychological Well-Being, V. Rozova's Stress Resistance Inventory, and M. Chumakova's Willpower Assessment. The findings revealed that 21.05% of participants demonstrated a high level of psychological well-being, which was associated with confidence, competence, positive self-esteem, autonomy, and clearly defined life goals. These women exhibited the ability to distance themselves from traumatic events, thereby reducing stress symptoms. A majority of participants (54.61%) displayed an average level of psychological well-being, characterised by the capacity to utilise the available conditions for goal attainment, engagement in self-development, and an emphasis on maintaining close and trusting interpersonal relationships. A lower level of psychological well-being was identified in 24.34% of participants, who demonstrated a need for enhanced self-acceptance, self-organisation, willpower, and life orientation. Overall, the study results suggest that stress resilience functions as a protective factor buffering the adverse psychological impact of war. Furthermore, the interaction between stress resilience and willpower appears to play a decisive role in sustaining psychological well-being under conditions of prolonged social stress. These findings may serve as an empirical basis for the development of targeted psychosocial interventions aimed at strengthening resilience and well-being in women affected by the Russia-Ukraine war.