Gender-related features of suicidal behaviour among the military in the Russo-Ukrainian war

The article identifies general and gender-specific features of suicidal behaviour among military personnel in the russo-Ukrainian war since 2014. The theoretical and methodological principles and results of research on suicidal behaviour are summarized by authors, in particular its manifestation among military personnel and its gender-specific features. It is noted that suicidal behaviour includes thoughts, intentions, and attempts, completed suicide, which is determined by two criteria: action (inaction) that leads to death, and the presence of a conscious choice and understanding of the consequences of this action. As the one of the theories of suicide factors, the sociological theory, developed on the basis of E. Durkheim’s research is analysed. It is noted that the risk of suicide for men increases due to unemployment, loneliness, and inability to meet the ideals of masculinity, and marriage is also one of the protective factors for them. It is explained why the military demonstrates a higher suicide rate compared to the civilian population. As a result of expert interviews with those who provide psychological assistance to military personnel with suicidal behaviour in Ukraine, the following social factors of suicidal behaviour for the military were identified: lack of social support, stigmatisation of seeking help, pressure within the group, loss of brothers / sisters in arms; crisis of the family institution; organisational and everyday conditions of service (conflicts with command, infrequent rotations, state of exhaustion); economic instability (presence of debts, loans); crisis of the normative and value base (difficulties in finding oneself after demobilisation). For servicewomen, additional factors of suicidal behaviour are: double burden and role conflict, gender-based violence, devaluation of professional achievements, and violation of subordination. Finally, a sociological portrait of the group at risk of suicidal behaviour among military personnel of the russo-Ukrainian war is compiled.