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Ovsyannikova Y, Pokhilko D, Krasnokutskyi M, Kerdyvar V, Kreshchuk K. The Nature of Combat Stress Development During Military Operations and Psychotherapy in Extreme Situations. J Nerv Ment Dis 2024; 212:270-277. [PMID: 38536039 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The purpose of the research work is the theoretical and empirical analysis of the study of the nature of combat stress in military personnel and the assessment of psychotherapeutic methods of providing psychological assistance in extreme situations. The authors used the following methods to achieve this goal: method of analysis and synthesis, hermeneutic method, testing method, comparative method, and generalization method. The results of the research work have revealed the meaning of traumatic stress, psychological trauma, and combat mental trauma, and explained the concept of combat stress and the dynamics of its growth. The findings identified the factors of posttraumatic stress syndrome and its prevalence, tracked down the dynamics of psychoemotional disorders, and revealed the importance of military psychological selection and determination of combat readiness. The authors established the main tasks of a staff psychologist in working with military personnel, conducted an empirical study of the nature of combat stress in the military, observed main psychotherapeutic tools for the prevention of negative mental states in combat conditions, and investigated self-regulation techniques of emotional, physical, and mental health. The practical significance of the scientific work lies in the modern coverage of the phenomenon of combat stress and the classification of effective psychotherapeutic methods that will ensure the sustainable psychological preparation of the soldiers for extreme situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanina Ovsyannikova
- From the Educational and Scientific Laboratory of Extreme and Crisis Psychology, National University of Civil Defence of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Diana Pokhilko
- From the Educational and Scientific Laboratory of Extreme and Crisis Psychology, National University of Civil Defence of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Mykola Krasnokutskyi
- From the Educational and Scientific Laboratory of Extreme and Crisis Psychology, National University of Civil Defence of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Valentyn Kerdyvar
- From the Educational and Scientific Laboratory of Extreme and Crisis Psychology, National University of Civil Defence of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Kateryna Kreshchuk
- Social and Psychological Faculty, National University of Civil Defence of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
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Stergiou M, Robles-Pérez JJ, Rey-Mota J, Tornero-Aguilera JF, Clemente-Suárez VJ. Psychophysiological Responses in Soldiers during Close Combat: Implications for Occupational Health and Fitness in Tactical Populations. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:82. [PMID: 38200988 PMCID: PMC10779181 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study explores the psychophysiological responses and subjective exertion experiences of soldiers in simulated hand-to-hand combat, aligning these findings with established physiological benchmarks. Active military personnel were monitored for heart rate, blood lactate levels, subjective exertion, cortical arousal, and muscle strength during combat scenarios. The results showed significant increases in heart rate and blood lactate, indicating intense cardiovascular demands and a reliance on anaerobic energy systems. Contrary to these physiological changes, soldiers reported lower levels of exertion, suggesting a possible underestimation of physical effort or individual differences in perception and mental resilience to stress. Notably, a decrease in cortical arousal post-combat was observed, potentially signaling cognitive function deficits in decision-making and information processing in high-stress environments. This decline was more pronounced than typically seen in other high-stress situations, highlighting the unique cognitive demands of hand-to-hand combat. Additionally, an increase in muscle strength was noted, underscoring the physiological adaptations arising from intensive combat training. These findings provide valuable insights into the psychophysiological effects of hand-to-hand combat, emphasizing the complex interplay between physical exertion, cognitive function, and stress response in military contexts. The study underscores the need for comprehensive training strategies that address both physical and psychological aspects to enhance combat readiness and decision-making under stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stergiou
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
- Center for Applied Combat Studies (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain; (J.J.R.-P.); (J.R.-M.)
| | - José Juan Robles-Pérez
- Center for Applied Combat Studies (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain; (J.J.R.-P.); (J.R.-M.)
- USAC ‘San Cristobal-Villaverde’—Ejército de Tierra, Av. de Andalucía, Km. 10, Villaverde, 28021 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Rey-Mota
- Center for Applied Combat Studies (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain; (J.J.R.-P.); (J.R.-M.)
| | - José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
- Center for Applied Combat Studies (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain; (J.J.R.-P.); (J.R.-M.)
| | - Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
- Center for Applied Combat Studies (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain; (J.J.R.-P.); (J.R.-M.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
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Verdonk C, Giaume L, Trousselard M. Contribution of a neuroscience-informed approach for developing interventions for acute stress reaction. BMJ Mil Health 2023:e002538. [PMID: 37652561 DOI: 10.1136/military-2023-002538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Verdonk
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
- VIFASOM (EA 7330 Vigilance Fatigue, Sommeil et Santé Publique), Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - L Giaume
- Paris Fire Brigade, Paris, France
| | - M Trousselard
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Bretigny-sur-Orge, France
- French Military Health Service Academy, Paris, France
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Gong Y, Guo Z, Lu H, Wang X, Zhang Y, Ren L, Zhu X. Network analysis of acute stress reaction in a sample of Chinese male military college students. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1082549. [PMID: 37621968 PMCID: PMC10444979 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1082549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute stress reaction (ASR) following a stressful event is associated with stress-related mental disorders. However, no studies have investigated the relationships between ASR symptom clusters. The present study aimed to provide a fine-grained understanding of the complex relationships among symptom clusters and identify the central symptom clusters of ASR using network analysis. Methods The Acute Stress Reaction Scale (ASRS) was used to investigate the network structure of ASR in 1792 Chinese male military college students who were about to participate in an important physical fitness test. We calculated the weights of the edges connecting different symptom clusters and the central indices of 25 symptom clusters in the final network. Results There were five strongest edges with significantly higher weights than most other edge weights, including the edges between "Less communication" and "Isolated from others." The symptom clusters of "Somatic symptoms," "Hypoprosexia," and "Anxiety" were found to be the central nodes with the highest expected influences (primary centrality index). Conclusion The present study explored the network structure of ASR, revealed complex connections between symptom clusters, and identified central clusters. These findings have important clinical implications, and it is suggested that the three central symptom clusters may be potential targets for effective interventions for ASR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Gong
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhihua Guo
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hongliang Lu
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinlu Wang
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yajuan Zhang
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lei Ren
- Military Psychology Section, Logistics University of PAP, Tianjin, China
- Military Mental Health Services and Research Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Xia Zhu
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
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Greenberg N, Minshall D, Simms A. Immediate management of acute psychological trauma in conflict zones. BMJ 2023; 380:e071851. [PMID: 36754436 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-071851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
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Prontenko KV, Okhrimenko IМ, Yevdokimova OO, Mannapova KR, Filonenko VM, Tverdokhvalova IL, Bondarenko LO. PECULIARITIES OF FORMATION OF CADETS' PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE AND PHYSICAL READINESS FOR COMBAT STRESS. WIADOMOSCI LEKARSKIE (WARSAW, POLAND : 1960) 2023; 76:1450-1456. [PMID: 37463381 DOI: 10.36740/wlek202306118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim: To investigate the impact of special physical training sessions on the formation of cadets' psychological resilience and physical readiness for the stress factors of future professional and combat activities. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: The research involved 96 cadets (men) in the 2nd training year of S. P. Koroliov Zhytomyr Military Institute (Ukraine) aged 18-20 years, who were divided into two groups: the experimental (E, n = 47) and the control (C, n = 49). The cadets of the E group studied according to the authors' program, and the C group cadets - according to the existing program. Cadets' psychological resilience was studied using psycho-diagnostic methods aimed at assessing their volitional qualities. Cadets' physical fitness was assessed by the tests of general and special physical training. RESULTS Results: It was found that the level of general physical training of the E and the C group cadets was significantly the same (p > 0.05) at the end of the research but in terms of special physical training and psychological readiness, the E group cadets had all indicators significantly (p < 0.05-0.001) better than those of the C group. CONCLUSION Conclusions: It has been proved that the special physical training sessions conducted according to the authors' program were more effective than the existing program in forming cadets' physical readiness and psychological resilience for stress factors of future professional and combat activities.
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Matson LM, Adler AB, Quartana PJ, Thomas CL, Lowery-Gionta EG. Management of Acute Stress Reactions in the Military: A Stepped Care Approach. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:799-808. [PMID: 36538195 PMCID: PMC9780143 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01388-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW This review highlights knowledge gaps surrounding the development and use of interventions for Acute Stress Reactions (ASRs). First, we propose that a stepped care approach to intervention for ASR be developed and utilized in military operational environments. A stepped care approach would include detection and assessment, followed by behavioral intervention, and then medication intervention for ASRs. Second, we discuss potential strategies that can be taken for the development of safe and effective ASR medications. RECENT FINDINGS ASRs commonly occur in operational environments, particularly in military populations. ASRs impact the safety and performance of individual service members and teams, but there are currently limited options for intervention. Efforts to improve ASR detection and assessment, and development and delivery of ASR interventions for implementation in operational environments, will be critical to maintaining the safety and performance of service members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana M. Matson
- grid.507680.c0000 0001 2230 3166Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA
| | - Amy B. Adler
- grid.507680.c0000 0001 2230 3166Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA
| | - Phillip J. Quartana
- grid.507680.c0000 0001 2230 3166Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA
| | - Connie L. Thomas
- grid.507680.c0000 0001 2230 3166Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA
| | - Emily G. Lowery-Gionta
- grid.507680.c0000 0001 2230 3166Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA
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