Building Resilience In Ukrainian Students Amidst Wartime Challenges

The development of resilience among university students enhances their adaptation to challenging conditions and overall mental health. The research focuses on the peculiarities of building resilience in higher education students under wartime conditions in Ukraine. For this purpose, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and mindfulness techniques were chosen as progressive and effective methods for coping with stress and enhancing psychological stability. The main characteristics of these methods and the expected outcomes of their application were outlined. The ERC (Emotional Resilience Criteria) scale was modified according to the defined resilience-building criteria, and an experimental study was conducted based on a survey of higher education students during 2022–2024. According to the research results, a positive impact of using CBT and mindfulness techniques was observed in line with the defined resilience-building criteria. Additionally, an increase in ERC scale indicators was noted throughout the experiment. By the final stage, the students in the experimental group, who applied CBT and mindfulness techniques, achieved high levels on the ERC scale. Based on the outlined methodology, it is possible to adjust or combine resilience-building methods depending on the domain of life and psychological condition, where psychological stability and emotional balance are required. It has been determined that CBT and mindfulness are practical tools for building the resilience of student youth in wartime in Ukraine. They help reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and increase awareness and quality of life, essential components of mental health and social well-being.