Dynamics of mental health indicators in security sector professionals under the influence of training and combat stressors

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to investigate the dynamics of mental health indicators of security sector professionals under the influence of stress factors of training and combat activities under martial law conditions.Materials and methods. The research was conducted in 2024–2025 at the Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs (Ukraine, Kharkiv). The study involved: 244 cadets of the1st–4th years, 58 trainees, 85 officers. Research methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of literature sources, psycho-diagnostic methods (for assessing the mental health of security sector professionals), methods of mathematical statistics.Results. The negative impact of stress factors of training and combat activities on the mental health of security sector specialists and, in particular, on the level of manifestation of stress disorders, predisposition to the development of stress, decreased stress tolerance, increased neuro-emotional tension, increased anxiety, and worsening of the emotional state has been proven. The most pronounced negative changes in the indicated mental health indicators were found in professionals whose training and combat activities are characterized by prolonged systematic exposure to stress factors (officers during a trip to a combat zone, trainees during internships), and those who have not developed the skills to counteract stress during the performance of training and combat tasks (junior year cadets).Conclusions. The obtained results highlight the necessity of developing stress resilience among security sector professionals to ensure the effectiveness of their training and combat activities under martial law conditions. They also emphasize the importance of fostering skills in applying effective stress prevention strategies during such activities, as well as promoting the recovery of mental health indicators following their completion.