THE ROLE OF SONGS IN THE PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT OF HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS DURING WARTIME

The article presents the results of a study on the use of songs by higher education students to cope with stress during a military invasion. A conducted survey confirmed that a significant portion of the surveyed young people turn to music as a means of self-regulation in crisis situations, assigning it the role of an important tool for emotional support rather than mere entertainment. At the same time, it was found that for a certain group of respondents, music does not serve this function, which may be due to personal preferences or a preference for other traditional methods. The study also highlights the frequency of turning to songs as a means of support in challenging emotional situations: the largest group consists of students who listen to them daily, followed by a slightly smaller number of respondents who turn to songs several times a week, and the smallest group being those who listen only occasionally. This underscores the integration of music into the daily lives of young people as an accessible way to maintain psychological resilience amid uncertainty. The choice of popular songs, which dominate preferences due to their simplicity, rhythm, and emotional resonance, gains particular relevance. In contrast, folk, academic, and spiritual compositions are less in demand, likely due to their specificity or lower accessibility to a modern audience. Within popular music, respondents prefer various genres, with pop and rap leading the way, though rock, jazz, electronic music, and metal also have their fans. This distribution illustrates the diversity of musical tastes and their application depending on emotional needs – ranging from relaxation to energy release. The themes of songs chosen in stressful situations are mostly related to personal relationships, life, or humor, reflecting a desire for emotional stability, motivation, or comfort. Overall, the results affirm the positive impact of songs on the emotional state of young people, transforming them into a universal resource for psychological support in difficult times when access to professional help may be limited.