PSYCHO-VISCERAL EXPERIENCE OF WAR TRAUMA

Abstract

Today, the world is at a historic fork in the road, with the global socio-economic and political system destabilized, hybrid wars and a global trade war unfolding. We are witnessing a traumatic global process, with one multi-crisis replacing another. The destruction of geopolitical cooperation in the medium term will have a chain reaction in the realm of global crises. These crises are even escalating into open armed conflicts and combat operations across large territories, affecting both the armed forces of the opposing sides (regular armies of states, as well as non-state armed groups such as insurgents or rebels) and the civilian population, which is suffering the trauma of war.
Based on data from the literature and systematic reviews, a theoretical analysis was conducted and information was summarised regarding the types of war-related trauma, as well as methods of counselling and coping with the consequences of trauma. The collection and processing of scientific information were carried out using classical systematisation tools. The evidence base for the study was formed by analysing publications in such authoritative digital repositories and databases as ScienceDirect, Scopus and PubMed. 
From 2 May 2014, specialists from the State Non-Profit Enterprise «Scientific and Practical Medical Rehabilitation and Diagnostic Centre of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine» conducted a screening study of emotional reactions to stressful events; psychological and physical well-being; current situations during a period of turbulent change that caused anxiety or concern; the need for information; current functioning; and manifestations of anxiety, depression and aggression. Particular attention within this study is paid to the impact of traumatic events associated with the start of the ATO, the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, and the consequences of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As of 1 January 2025, 7,328 adults and 3,178 children had taken part in the study.
An author’s octagon system called “Psycho-visceral experience of war trauma” was created. The Octagon System is designed to identify and address the manifestations of war trauma, as well as to foster a holistic understanding of a person’s psychosomatic reactions to the stressors of war trauma. The method is based on the cognitive processing of the body’s reactions to trauma and the identification of ways to mitigate them in order to reduce the negative consequences of trauma. Unlike approaches that focus primarily on cognitive and emotional aspects, psycho-visceral experience emphasises the bodily sensations that arise in response to a traumatic event.