Psychology and Social Work

SYSTEM OF ORGANIZATION OF THE SOCIAL SPHERE: DEONTOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES, FORECASTING AND LEGAL DOCUMENTARY SUPPORT

O. A. Aharkov — 2025-06-20

The social sphere forms the foundation of societal well-being, ensuring social justice and sustainable development. Contemporary global challenges, including demographic aging, increasing social stratification, digitalization, and the war in Ukraine, which has caused infrastructure destruction, population displacement, and funding deficits, necessitate an adaptive system for organizing the social sphere. Deontological principles, forecasting, and legal documentary support are pivotal components that ensure ethical grounding, strategic foresight, and normative stability of social institutions.The study aims to develop a model for optimizing the social sphere’s organizational system by integrating deontological principles, forecasting, and legal documentary support to enhance its effectiveness amid modern challenges.The article proposes a comprehensive model for optimizing the social sphere’s organizational system, synergistically combining ethical, prognostic, and legal components. The synergy of universal ethical codes, artificial intelligence in forecasting, and digitalization of legal support ensures adaptability to demographic, technological, and crisis-induced changes, particularly in the war context. The model’s novelty lies in its emphasis on ethical imperatives and decentralization processes.The optimization model, integrating deontological principles, forecasting, and legal support, enhances the ethical legitimacy and adaptability of the social sphere, promoting social justice and sustainability. It is effective in addressing war-related challenges, staffing shortages, and digital transformations. Future research should explore the impact of innovative technologies and decentralization.

REGULATION OF EMOTIONS AS A FACTOR OF INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF CREATIVE ACTIVITY

A. I. Andronova — 2025-06-20

The article considers the current problems of the influence of emotional state on creative processes. Based on a review of scientific literature, an analysis of the classification of emotions and various methods of their regulation is carried out. In our time, when stress and tension have become commonplace, it is important to have effective tools to maintain emotional balance and productive activity. This work identifies possible reasons that block creative energy, preventing the start and completion of the necessary work, and methods that help tune in to the creative process.
The possibilities of combining meditation, auto-training and visualization methods are considered to achieve not only emotional stability, reduce stress and improve well-being, but also to tune in to creative work, increase the level of creativity, and the effectiveness of creative activity.

FEATURES OF USING FOREIGN PRACTICES IN THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF UKRAINE'S SOCIAL SPHERE

O. M. Balukhtina — 2025-06-20

The article explores international experience in the digital transformation of the social sector, examining key practices of e-governance and tools for delivering social services in the context of digitalization. The potential for applying such practices in Ukraine is analyzed, with an outline of the factors contributing to successful implementation and associated risks. Recommendations are formulated for the further development of digital infrastructure in the social sphere based on international experience.The aim of this study is to comprehensively examine the specifics of utilizing international experience in the process of digital transformation of Ukraine’s social sector. This will help identify directions for the continued development of digital transformation in the social sphere of Ukraine based on global best practices. Such advancement will contribute to improving the quality of life for citizens and ensuring inclusive social development.

PSYCHOLOGICAL MODELS OF SOCIAL WORK IN ADAPTATION OF UKRAINIANS ELDERLY UNDER TEMPORARY PROTECTION IN WESTERN EUROPE

G. V. Boiko — 2025-06-20

The military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine caused the necessity for many Ukrainians to flee the war. This situation provoked special forms of migration of our fellow citizens; in particular, a significant part came under temporary protection in countries of West, Central and Northern Europe. It became necessary for them to adapt to new living conditions in a short time and in unfamiliar conditions. The particular complexity of such adaptation is characteristic of the elderly, for whom changes in the usual way and conditions of life are a significant challenge.The modern social work uses an approach focused on the client's strengths as a development of traditional psychologically oriented theories. It includes an individual approach to each person and the possibility of group work to track and expand techniques and experience of adaptation in new conditions.The purpose of the publication is to highlight the results of research on such models to promote the adaptation of elderly Ukrainians in new social and cultural conditions: the application of psycho-diagnostics for the emotional state of elderly Ukrainians in Europe, surveys to identify their main requests. This became the basis for planning a comprehensive approach to facilitating adaptation through the interaction of social, cultural and individual factors. in the context of a client- centered approach and facilitating adaptation In particular, as a result of the research conducted, it was determined that an important role in the adaptation of elderly Ukrainians under temporary protection in Europe is played by social and medical help, the ability to independently control certain areas of life, the increase level of integration into a new cultural and linguistic environment, as well as personal resources and experience of migration in previous life.

HABILITATION AS A PROCESS OF FORMING NEW SKILLS: FROM THEORY TO SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE

V. S. Biskup — 2025-06-20

The article addresses the issue of clearly distinguishing between the concepts of «habilitation» and «rehabilitation» within the scientific and practical discourse of social work. Attention is drawn to terminological uncertainty, which can negatively affect the quality of social services.Habilitation is considered as a process of forming new skills in individuals who previously lacked them, while rehabilitation is understood as the restoration of lost functions. The article analyzes scientific approaches to defining the seconcepts, examines domestic and international research, and reviews relevant legislative frameworks, including Ukrainian legislation and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. A comparative table of criteria for habilitation and rehabilitation in the context of social work is proposed, covering such as pects as goals, target groups, the role of the social worker, and corresponding methods and approaches.Four key areas of habilitation are identified: socio-domestic, vocational-labor, value-normative, and transcendental-meaningful – each encompassing the development of new competencies.Emphasis is placed on overcoming anomie through value-normative habilitation.

DESIGNING A METHODOLOGY FOR STUDYING THE INCREMENTAL NATURE OF IMPLICIT REPRESENTATIONS: THE POTENTIAL OF ASSOCIATION TESTING IN EMPIRICAL RESEARCH

T. O. Galtseva — 2025-06-20

The article discusses the potential of psychodiagnostics as a key branch of psychological science, which provides the development of tools for the empirical study of personality. Particular attention is paid to the need to introduce new approaches to the study of deep human beliefs, in particular, the phenomenon of incrementalism. As opposed to traditional methods, which are often limited to the conscious manifestations of the psyche, it is proposed to use associative testing. This approach allows to identify latent cognitive schemes that are the basis of individual behavior and motivation. The purpose of the study was to provide a scientific justification for the use of association tests to analyze the incremental nature of implicit representations of a person.The initial assumption was that associative techniques are able to reveal hidden connections and attitudes in the mind regarding the interpretation of the concepts of incrementality (focus on development and change) or fixity (focus on stability and unchanging abilities). This approach makes it possible to form a holistic image of the actual characteristics of a person in the context of his or her ability to transform and develop. The study was based on the historical context of associative psychology and modern concepts, in particular, the implicit theories of intelligence and personality of C. S. Dweck. The task was not only to develop a new methodology, but also to determine its psychometric foundations and diagnostic capabilities. As a result, the methodology for studying the incrementality of implicit representations (MSIIR) was created, which is based on the principles of direct and chain association testing. Its difference from survey methods is the minimal structure of the instructions, which reduces the impact of contextual constraints and social- role prescriptions, ensuring the identification of respondents' authentic priorities. In the course of developing the MSIIR, a list of 60 stimulus words was compiled that reflect the dichotomy of incremental and fixed perceptions, including neutral words for masking. The resulting associative reactions allowed us to identify key marker words characterizing the incremental-fixed nature of implicit representations. The methodology was implemented in an online environment, where respondents chose the words that seemed most attractive and relevant to them. To process the results, a quantitative indicator “Incrementality” was developed. The calculations showed that the methodology has high internal consistency and construct validity, which confirms its reliability as a diagnostic tool.

SYCHOLOGICAL BARRIERS TO PROFESSIONAL FEMALE LEADERSHIP: THE ROLE OF SHAME IN SUSTAINING GENDER INEQUALITY

T. O. Galtseva — 2025-06-20

The article is devoted to the review of various theoretical approaches to the concept of shame, examining its origins and the developmental stages both in the ontogenetic growth of the individual and in the phylogenesis of humanity as a whole. Particular attention is paid to the manipulative potential of shame, which operates through unconscious submission to social rules and norms that were collectively internalized in the course of evolution but have lost their relevance in contemporary society. The article substantiates that shame, performing a function of social control, serves as an effective mechanism for restraining women both on the path to and within professional leadership.This is due to the fact that the very phenomenon of leadership is anachronistically associated by society with the male gender. The paper analyzes manifestations of such structural and interpersonal gender barriers as the “leaky pipeline” effect, the “glass ceiling,” tokenism, and the “queen bee” phenomenon. It reveals the shadow role of shame in each of these phenomena and illustrates their sequential interaction in the process of professional self-realization of a female leader. It is shown that shame functions not only as an external constraint in the form of social condemnation and public shaming of women for striving toward power – as a stereotypically masculine domain – but also as an internal behavioral regulator through the belief: “I don’t have the right to be here.” Thus, shame emerges as a multi-level sociopsychological construct that sustains models of patriarchal domination by suppressing women’s realization in the sphere of leadership.

THE ROLE OF THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION PSYCHOLOGIST IN PREVENTION OF BULLYING: FOREIGN EXPERIENCE

О. А. Dudnyk — 2025-06-20

The article explores the crucial role of school psychologists in the prevention of bullying, drawing on international experience and evidence-based practices. In the context of rising aggression, social stress, and digitalization – exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine–the issue of bullying has become increasingly urgent. The study emphasizes that bullying is not only a social but also a deeply psychological problem that affects the emotional well-being, academic motivation, and long-term development of children. The analysis highlights key international programs such as the OBPP (Norway), KiVa (Finland), and the work of scholars like Dorothy Espelage, Susan Swearer, Peter Smith, and Sameer Hinduja.Based on the synthesis of these approaches, a multidimensional model of psychologist involvement in bullying prevention is proposed. This model includes diagnostic-analytical, consultative, educational-preventive, coordination-organizational functions, as well as digital support and monitoring.The model defines the role of a psychologist, the main methods and tools of work that are relevant to the Ukrainian educational context. The emphasis is placed on a systematic approach to preventing bullying at the community level, the importance of working with all participants in bullying (victims, aggressors, witnesses) and creating a psychologically safe school climate. The article outlines the prospects for further research, including empirical testing of the model in the real conditions of a Ukrainian school.

ARTISTIC VISUAL THINKING OF SCHOOLCHILDREN AS VISUAL FORM OF MEANING-MAKING IN TIMES OF WAR

O. V. Zavhorodnya — 2025-06-20

The article explores the artistic visual thinking of schoolchildren as a specific visual-cognitive form of understanding the experience of loss, anxiety, uncertainty, and hope in war conditions.Despite the increasing focus on children’s traumatic experiences during wartime, artistic visual thinking as a resourceful and diagnostic tool remains insufficiently explored in psychological research. Its relationship with existential phenomena – such as loss, isolation, anxiety, meaning, and hope – requires further theoretical and empirical attention. This is especially relevant when analyzing children’s drawings as a symbolic means of processing both collective and personal trauma.The purpose of this study is to analyze schoolchildren’s visual artworks as expressions of trauma-related meaning-making in wartime; to identify recurrent visual metaphors, symbols, and compositional strategies used to convey emotional experience; and to reveal the psychological potential of visual thinking as a means of trauma integration and internal coherence.The scientific novelty of the research lies in uncovering psychological mechanisms of aesthetic transformation of trauma and in analyzing the role of visual thinking in helping gifted students develop resilience and participate in collective sense-making during war.Conclusions. In wartime, children’s visual thinking becomes an emotionally rich and symbolically complex form of experiencing reality. Artworks serve multiple functions: emotional regulation, symbolic trauma integration, communication, preservation of subjectivity, memory, and hope. Visual creations act as signs of psychological recovery and meaning reconstruction. Through symbolization, externalization, aesthetic distancing, and visual reflection, children demonstrate the ability to process trauma and transform it into images that support individual and collective resilience. Thus, children’s artistic expression serves not only therapeutic but also sociocultural functions, contributing to the rethinking of collective trauma and strengthening social cohesion.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ФОРМУВАННЯ АКАДЕМІЧНОЇ ПРОКРАСТИНАЦІЇ СТУДЕНТІВ В УМОВАХ ДИСТАНЦІЙНОГО НАВЧАННЯ

H. P. Zirchak — 2025-06-20

У статті проаналізовано особливості формування академічної прокрастинації серед студентів в умовах дистанційного навчання. Розглянуто психологічні чинники, що сприяють зволіканню з виконанням навчальних завдань, зокрема знижену мотивацію, недостатній самоконтроль, порушення тайм-менеджменту та підвищену тривожність. Зосереджено увагу на ролі середовища дистанційного навчання як каталізатора прокрастинаційної поведінки, адже саме ізоляція, відсутність безпосереднього контролю та розмитість меж між навчальною та особистою діяльністю часто спричиняють зниження навчальної активності. Представлено результати емпіричного дослідження, що підтверджують збільшення рівня прокрастинації серед студентів під час онлайн-навчання, а також виявлено відмінності у проявах прокрастинації залежно від індивідуально-психологічних особливостей. У статті обґрунтовано необхідність цілеспрямованого розвитку навичок саморегуляції, а також надано рекомендації щодо організації ефективного дистанційного навчального процесу з урахуванням впливу факторів, що сприяють прокрастинації.

CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN THE SOCIAL SERVICES SYSTEM: EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR ADAPTATION AND RESPONSE TO SOCIAL CHALLENGES

V. Р. Isachenko — 2025-06-20

The article explores contemporary approaches to crisis management within Ukraine’s social service system amid increasing social instability caused by war, economic challenges, and the transformation of societal needs. It analyzes the nature of social crises and risks, their impact on the functioning of social institutions, and identifies the main destabilizing factors affecting social service operations. The study substantiates the need for a shift toward proactive management based on principles of strategic planning, risk management, and adaptive leadership.The article reveals the nature of crisis phenomena in the field of social services and outlines systemic risks and threats that hinder their effectiveness in times of war and socio-economic instability.The author synthesizes existing approaches to crisis management and proposes a strategic response model tailored to the specific characteristics of nonprofit organizations. Particular attention is given to the integration of risk management tools and social regulation mechanisms.A comprehensive set of effective managerial strategies is proposed, aimed at preserving human resources, ensuring service continuity, and maintaining long-term institutional stability of social service providers.

ІНТЕГРАЦІЯ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ ВІРТУАЛЬНОЇ РЕАЛЬНОСТІ В ПРАКТИКУ СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ РОБОТИ

A. V. Kambur — 2025-06-20

The article examines the potential of virtual reality (VR) technology as an innovative tool in social work practice. It analyzes the specifics of VR implementation in the provision of psychosocial support to various categories of clients, including individuals with traumatic experiences, persons with disabilities, orphans, and those who have experienced social isolation. Particular attention is paid to the modeling of life situations in a virtual environment, which enables the safe development of adaptation, communication, and decision-making skills. The paper outlines the possibilities of using VR in the professional training of social workers, enhancing their stress resilience and emotional readiness to work with crisis situations. The study also addresses ethical and technical challenges associated with digital accessibility, data protection, and adherence to the principles of voluntariness and confidentiality. The current state of regulatory support in Ukraine and best international practices for integrating VR into the social sector are reviewed. The article concludes that VR is a promising means of modernizing social work and identifies directions for further research aimed at adapting this technology to the Ukrainian system of social services.

EXPERIENCE OF ENHANCING THE PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF PROVIDERS OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN WAR CONDITIONS

V. V. Kostina — 2025-06-20

The article analyzes the practice of improving the qualifications of social service professionals in war conditions, which is a necessary condition for increasing the efficiency of social service providers. The purpose of the article was to summarize the experience of the Department of Methodological Support of Social Work and the improvement of professional competencies of social service providers and to identify successful practices in carrying out relevant work, which are necessary for the formation of professional readiness of social sector specialists to work with vulnerable categories of the population in need of social assistance, support and protection in conditions of war in Ukraine. The scientific novelty lies in presenting the results of the monitoring research analysis on the implementation of work to improve the quality of methodological support of social service providers, as well as in revealing the content of the activity to improve the skills of social service providers, who are representatives of state, municipal institutions and figures of the public sector of social assistance, in order to form in them the potential for resilience, important professional skills and qualities of a successful personality, ready to implement important professional and social tasks, as well as to overcome the consequences of the war and implement sustainable development strategies. Research conclusions: the features of the work of specialists of the Department of Methodological Support of Social Work and the improvement of professional competencies of social service providers in modern conditions are highlighted and methodological tools are provided, which have become widespread in their professional activities. It is proven that successful practices for improving professional competencies of social service providers of the Kharkiv Regional Center for Social Services take into account not only European quality standards for training specialists in the social sector, but also domestic positive practices that are adapted to the realities of providing social services in wartime, and also take into account the peculiarities of the mentality of social service consumers and the specifics of local communities.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AND THEIR IMPACT ON ADULT PERSONALITY TRAITS

O. Yu. Kosyanova — 2025-06-20

This article explores the psychological consequences of childhood trauma and its impact on the formation of adult personality traits. The relevance of the topic is driven by the widespread prevalence of childhood adversity and its long-term influence on emotional and behavioral development. The empirical study involved 50 participants who completed a set of validated instruments: the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form (MHC-SF), and a narrative trauma analysis (Shebanova). The findings revealed a high prevalence of social anxiety, low self-esteem, fear of the future, maladaptive beliefs, and emotional dysregulation among those with trauma histories.Statistical analysis confirmed significant positive correlations between post-traumatic growth and problem-focused coping (r = 0.400**) and psychological well-being (r = 0.448**), indicating adaptive capacity in those who engage in constructive meaning-making. The results emphasize the importance of targeted psychological support and underline the need for further research to develop effective psychocorrectional programs aimed at transforming destructive beliefs and enhancing coping skills in trauma-affected individuals.

SOCIAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL EXCLUSION OF ORPHANS IN THE TRANSFORMATIONAL UKRAINIAN SOCIETY DURING THE WAR

V. V. Kuzmin — 2025-06-20

The article is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of social and psychological exclusion of orphans in the transformational society of Ukraine. In the course of the study, it was found that the socio-psychological exclusion of orphans in Ukraine is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, which is characterized by the isolation and alienation of these children from the main social, economic and cultural resources of society. The article determined that among the key factors that contribute to the social isolation of orphans is the chronic lack of funding for residential institutions, which negatively affects the standard of living of the pupils. The problems associated with the limited possibilities of obtaining proper education, professional training and life skills necessary for independent living are singled out. It is noted that residential institutions often do not provide inmates with adequate living conditions, including basic needs such as medical care and psychological support. Attention is focused on the fact that a group approach to education leads to the leveling of the child’s individuality, the formation of a feeling of loneliness and emotional deprivation, which complicates further social and psychological integration. It is emphasized that orphans, leaving residential institutions, face a number of obstacles during the transition to adulthood due to the lack of an appropriate state policy of social and psychological integration.This is manifested in weak coordination between state institutions, as well as uneven access to social services in different regions of the country, especially in rural areas. Separately, the article focuses on social and psychological stereotypes and stigmatization of orphans, which complicates their acceptance by society. An important problem was identified prejudices that associate boarding school inmates with criminal behavior, which subsequently limits their opportunities in the labor market and in socio-psychological relations. Further research should be aimed at developing effective models of socio-psychological integration of orphans that take into account their individual psychological needs and characteristics, as well as at improving the state policy of supporting this vulnerable group.

ACTIVITY AND OPTIMISM AS INDICATORS OF PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS AMONG WEB DEVELOPERS

O. V. Lobachov — 2025-06-20

In the context of the dynamic growth of the IT sector, interest is increasing in the psychological factors that contribute to the professional success of web developers. Of particular relevance is the analysis of personal traits that may influence subjective perceptions of career growth and self- realization in this field. The aim of this article is to clarify how activity and optimism manifest among web developers with varying levels of professional experience and self-assessed professional success. The novelty of the study lies in the empirical confirmation that personal resources – particularly high levels of optimism and activity – have a statistically significant influence on self-perceived professional success, whereas years of experience do not show a similar effect. The findings suggest that psychological characteristics may serve as predictors of professional success regardless of the length of experience. The study concludes that incorporating personality profiles into the development of burnout prevention and career support programs in the IT sector is both necessary and beneficial.

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE IN CRISIS SITUATIONS: A PSYCHOLOGICAL REVIEW OF SOCIAL FACTORS OF COPING

N. V. Lukianchuk — 2025-06-20

This article presents a psychological overview of how social and professional support factors influence the ability of individuals – particularly women of middle age – to cope with crisis situations.Based on empirical data, the study identifies and analyzes the roles of four primary social components: family support, friendships, professional support, and access to community resources. The findings demonstrate that individuals with higher levels of perceived support, especially from family and close friends, exhibit greater emotional resilience and lower levels of psychological distress.The study also evaluates the effectiveness of different forms of psychological assistance, including individual and group therapy, self-help strategies, and crisis hotlines. Results show that individual therapy is the most effective, particularly for respondents with low to moderate levels of crisis, while group therapy offers added value in promoting social integration and shared experience. Self-help techniques such as journaling, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices are helpful for moderately affected individuals. Conversely, crisis hotlines were rated as the least effective due to their short-term and impersonal nature. Moreover, the research highlights the psychological risks associated with unaddressed emotional tension, noting that average levels of anxiety, aggression, and rigidity may mask latent distress.Effective crisis recovery requires not only internal resources such as resilience and cognitive flexibility but also external support networks. The authors advocate for integrated approaches to psychological care, emphasizing the importance of psychoeducational programs and individualized therapeutic strategies – particularly for high-risk women experiencing prolonged anxiety and emotional exhaustion.

THE DYNAMICS OF RESEARCH ON THE EMOTIONAL BURNOUT PROBLEM AMONG MEDICAL WORKERS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE 21ST CENTURY

L. Yu. Mazai — 2025-06-20

The proposed study presents an analysis of the dynamics of scientific research on the issue of emotional burnout among healthcare professionals. The article outlines the history of studying burnout syndrome from the 1970s to the beginning of the 21st century. It offers a review of key academic works by Ukrainian researchers from 2007 to 2025. Based on this review, the author concludes that studies on emotional burnout in healthcare workers during the first quarter of the 21st century have primarily taken a regional approach, often involving sample sizes of up to 200 participants. Recent scholarly publications on this topic are mainly theoretical and review-based, focusing on psychological correction and therapeutic approaches to emotional burnout. Drawing on the collected materials, the article identifies promising directions for future research, which, according to the author, should prioritise the exploration of factors contributing to emotional burnout in healthcare professionals working under wartime conditions.

EXPERIENCE OF EUROPEAN COUNTRIES IN SOCIAL ADAPTATION AND INTEGRATION OF CITIZENS OF UKRAINE WHO HAVE RECEIVED TEMPORARY PROTECTION

N. G. Malіаrchuk — 2025-06-20

The article examines the experience of European countries, particularly Poland, Germany, and Lithuania, in the field of social adaptation and integration of Ukrainian citizens who were forced to leave their country due to war and received temporary protection. The theoretical foundation of the analysis is based on sociocultural and resource-based approaches to understanding migrant adaptation, according to which the process involves not only emotional adjustment but also the restoration of lost resources and integration into a new system of social interactions. Special attention is given to institutional, linguistic, educational, employment-related, and psychosocial aspects of social adaptation, as well as to mechanisms of integration into host communities in foreign countries.Within the framework of comparative analysis, the main directions of national policies in selected EU countries regarding refugee support are highlighted, including access to education, healthcare, language training, social services, and the labor market. Particular emphasis is placed on support practices for vulnerable groups-women with children, school-age children, and youth-as well as on challenges related to language adaptation and recognition of professional qualifications.Poland offering an extensive network of educational and social initiatives. In Germany, the focus is on language integration and gradual inclusion in economic life, with an overview of the main approaches to organizing the educational process for displaced persons. In Lithuania, despite a smaller scale of migration, comprehensive support models are being implemented in the areas of education, employment, and mental health.In conclusion, the article emphasizes that effective social adaptation of Ukrainian refugees is possible through cross-sectoral cooperation among the state, local communities, civil society organizations, and the migrants themselves.

HETEROGENEITY OF APPROACHES TO DEFINING SEXUAL NORMS AND DEVIATIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL DISCOURSE

S. O. Medjibovskyi — 2025-06-20

The relevance of the study stems from the need for a deeper understanding of how people perceive and distinguish between paraphilic and normophilic sexual interests. This is especially important for the development of modern models of sexuality, improvement of psychological practice, high-quality forensic examination, and an effective system of mental and physical health care. The problem goes far beyond the dichotomy of “normpathology”, especially in the context of socio-psychological factors, individual experience, cultural influence, socialisation processes, ethical ideas and subjective perception.The purpose of the study is to theoretically examine the factors that influence attitudes towards sexual interests, including paraphilic ones. To achieve this goal, a number of tasks were set: to analyse the concepts of paraphilia and normophilia, to study perceptions of these interests and behaviour. The methodological apparatus of the study included a theoretical analysis of the literature.

EXPERIENCE OF SOCIAL AND LEGAL PROTECTION OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS OF PRE-RETIREMENT AGE IN UKRAINE

V. I. Nykolaieva — 2025-06-20

The article is devoted to the study of the directions of social and legal protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs) of pre-retirement age, who constitute one of the most vulnerable social groups. The paper examines the legal foundations of social and legal protection of IDPs in Ukraine, analyzing the current normative legal acts regulating the rights and social guarantees of this population category. It is noted that IDPs of pre-retirement age face additional challenges, including difficulties in employment, loss of social connections, preservation of insurance records, and future pension security.The study emphasizes the necessity of a systematic approach to defining the directions of social and legal protection of IDPs of pre-retirement age, as there is no consensus among scholars regarding this issue. The paper presents several approaches to classifying protection directions, including protective, consultative, preventive, pedagogical, and educational directions. Special attention is given to areas related to labor market policy, social security, poverty alleviation, gender policy, and social services for pre-retirement individuals.The article substantiates the feasibility of combining the directions of social and legal protection of IDPs of pre-retirement age into two groups: educational and preventive activities and the provision of consultative and legal assistance. The system of social and legal protection for this category of citizens is based on national legislation and international standards. Educational and preventive activities include measures aimed at increasing legal awareness, social adaptation, combating labor market discrimination, and preventing social risks. Consultative and legal assistance covers legal support in matters of social benefits, employment, restoration of work experience, pension security, and access to social benefits.The research results can be used to develop effective mechanisms for the social and legal protection of IDPs of pre-retirement age, contributing to an increased level of social security and integration into society. The prospects for further research lie in studying the practice of implementing proposed directions of social and legal protection and their effectiveness in the context of contemporary socio-economic challenges.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN MANAGEMENT PSYCHOLOGY: MYTHS AND REALITIES OF SOFT SKILLS FOR LEADERS

L. V. Poleshchuk — 2025-06-20

This article examines the role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in management psychology, focusing on its significance for effective leadership. It analyzes common myths and the real aspects of developing soft skills that help leaders better understand and manage their own emotions as well as those of their subordinates. The article emphasizes that EQ is a dynamic set of skills that can be developed, and that a high level of emotional intelligence contributes to improved decision-making, conflict reduction, and increased team productivity.The purpose of this article is to explore the role of emotional intelligence in management psychology, dispel widespread myths about leaders’ soft skills, and identify the real aspects of their development. The article aims to highlight the importance of EQ as a key factor in effective leadership and to outline prospects for further improvement of emotional intelligence skills considering current managerial challenges.The scientific novelty of the work lies in the systematization of myths and realities regarding the role of emotional intelligence as a crucial soft skill for leaders in management psychology. The influence of EQ on enhancing the effectiveness of management processes and the formation of leadership competencies in modern organizational conditions is substantiated.The research results indicate that emotional intelligence significantly improves leadership effectiveness by helping leaders better manage their own emotions and understand the emotions of their subordinates. Leaders with a high level of EQ are capable of creating a positive emotional climate within the team, which contributes to conflict reduction, increased motivation, and better decision-making.

PSYCHOLINGUISTICS OF ANXIETY: HOW WAR STRESS FORMES EMOTIONAL BARRIERS IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE

O. O. Porpulit — 2025-06-20

In the context of growing social instability and prolonged military conflict in Ukraine, there is a significant increase in the level of anxiety among young people, which directly affects the quality of interpersonal communication. The relevance of the study is due to the need for a deeper understanding of the psycholinguistic mechanisms of the influence of anxiety on the formation of emotional barriers in communicative behavior in conditions of chronic stress. The aim of the article is to identify the relationship between the level of anxiety (reactive and personal) and the difficulties of establishing interpersonal contacts among young people in conditions of military stress.The scientific novelty lies in the comprehensive empirical analysis of the influence of anxiety states on the speech behavior of adolescents, taking into account the social context of war as a specific factor of communicative barriers. The study was conducted during February 2024 – February 2025 on a sample of 148 students aged 15–18 years using the Spielberg-Khanin scale and the method of diagnosing difficulties in establishing contacts by V. Boyko.The results showed the presence of a statistically significant inverse relationship between the level of anxiety and emotional barriers in communication. Adolescents with a high level of anxiety tend to avoid interpersonal interaction, reduce the level of trust and reduce speech activity. The data obtained can be the basis for the development of psycholinguistic programs to support youth in conditions of prolonged social stress.

THE ROLE OF NETWORKING PSYCHOLOGY IN STRENGTHENING ORGANIZATIONAL IDENTITY OF PERSONNEL

A. M. Prykhodko — 2025-06-20

This article explores the importance of networking psychology as an effective tool for strengthening organizational identity among personnel. It investigates the psychological mechanisms through which networking influences the formation of employees’ sense of belonging, commonality, and identification with the organization’s values and goals. The paper analyzes key aspects of networking psychology, such as social capital, interpersonal trust, information exchange, and support, in the context of their impact on organizational identity. Practical recommendations are provided for managers and organizational psychologists on utilizing networking psychology principles to enhance organizational identity and improve overall organizational functioning. These recommendations include: developing networking strategies, cultivating brand “ambassadors”, fostering external networking, forming a shared vision and values, integrating values into networking practices, overcoming psychological barriers (such as enhancing confidence, self-assurance, determination, and courage), and implementing strategy monitoring and correction.

SUCCESS FACTORS OF ONLINE LEARNING: PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT

O. Yu. Pidbutskyi — 2025-06-20

The article examines the psychological factors influencing the success of online learning among second-cycle (master’s level) higher education students in institutions of higher education in Kharkiv. The aim of the study was to identify the psychological determinants of academic achievement in the context of online learning. The study involved 177 respondents and employed the Academic Motivation Scale and the Student Engagement Scale. The scientific novelty of the research lies in identifying five latent factors that determine success in online education: emotional- motivational stability, regulated motivation, cognitive orientation, behavioral disorientation, and external support. It was found that intrinsic motivation and high engagement are associated with better academic outcomes, while amotivation and low behavioral activity correlate with poorer results. The findings can be used to optimize distance education and provide psychological support to students.

DIGITAL GENERATION AS AN OBJECT OF SOCIAL CONSULTATION (USING THE EXAMPLE OF THE MONITORING MEASUREMENT)

S. V. Romanenko — 2025-06-20

Constant observation, measurement and study of the younger generation is one of the main tasks of social and behavioral sciences, which lays the foundation for the formation of strategies of social and psychological counseling, directions of early intervention to overcome most age crises. And in this, specialists of Odesa I.I. Mechnikov National University do not lag behind their domestic and foreign colleagues. The purpose of this article is to provide an idea of the main achievements of the next stage of the monitoring sociological study “High School Student”, which has been conducted in Odessa since 1993 with an interval of three years. The 2024 representative survey covered 10th-11th grade students from four cities in different regions of Ukraine, and therefore these data make it possible to better understand today’s generation of high school students, our tomorrow’s applicants and clients, to measure their social well-being and sense of well-being, taking into account the realities of military rule, to compare their life plans, value orientations with the plans and orientations of their predecessors, to assess the features of adolescents’ self-identification in the current situation of digital transformation of the social sphere, to see a holistic picture of the transformation of the institution of the family and the change of generations in Odessa and Ukraine as a whole.

FEATURES OF THE ACTIVITIES OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN OVERCOMING THE PSYCHOTRAUMATIC CONSEQUENCES OF WAR

A. O. Rudnіeva — 2025-06-20

The article examines key aspects of the professional activities of social workers in the context of overcoming the traumatic consequences of war. The full-scale aggression since 2022 has led to significant human losses and psychological trauma, which requires a systemic response from society. The activities of social workers are key in providing support to victims, therefore it must be scientifically substantiated and integrated into the system of psychosocial recovery. The purpose of the study is to analyze the features of the activities of social workers in overcoming the traumatic consequences of war, identify effective practices of social support and outline the prospects for improving social work in the war and post-war period. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the generalization of modern approaches and practices of social workers in the conditions of a full-scale war in Ukraine. The features of work with vulnerable groups of the population are investigated, the key functions of a social worker are highlighted: initial assessment of the condition, psychoeducation, referral to specialists, organization of group forms of support (art therapy, physical practices). An analysis of the current Ukrainian experience is presented, as well as promising directions for the development of social work in the conditions of war and post-war recovery are outlined. The prospects for the development of integrated service models and the use of digital technologies are indicated.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS: SOCIAL WORK PRINCIPLES IN THE ACTIVITY OF A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

I. V. Sydun — 2025-06-20

The article is devoted to clarifying the theoretical and practical role of a special education teacher from the perspective of social work principles. The authors highlight the magnificent peculiarities of a special education teacher. The legislative documents regulating the activities of social workers and special education teachers in the context of inclusive education, were analyzed. The authors clarify the functions of a special education teacher as a member of the team of psychological and pedagogical support for children with special educational needs, demarcate the scope of practical methods and techniques of their work, indicate the priority components of practical work with children. The key principles of social work with children with special educational needs in the activity of a special education teacher are identified and confirmed.

THE ROLE OFCOGNITIVE ACTIVITY IN STRESS REDUCTION: A PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PUZZLES

L. V. Turishcheva — 2025-06-20

This article explores the role of cognitive activity in overcoming stress among school and university students. Particular attention is given to the use of puzzles as a potential tool for psychoemotional regulation. The relevance of the study is driven by rising anxiety levels among high school students and the need for effective, accessible, and safe methods of corrective intervention.The theoretical analysis draws on the biopsychosocial model of stress, as well as contemporary approaches to cognitive self-regulation.At the first stage of the study, a coping questionnaire was developed to analyze the most common stress-coping strategies among students. The survey results showed that adolescents predominantly relied on physical activity, communication with loved ones, hobbies, and rest, while cognitive methods of stress reduction were not among their top choices. Based on these findings, the authors argue for the feasibility of integrating intellectual practices, particularly puzzles, into psychoprophylactic programs.In the empirical section of the study, a coping questionnaire was employed to assess changes in emotional states following the regular use of puzzles. The results indicate a positive trend in reducing tension, improving mood, increasing focus, and enhancing the sense of control. These findings suggest that puzzles may serve not only as a form of entertainment but also as a valuable corrective tool in working with students.

PROJECT METHOD IN TRAINING OF STUDENTS IN THE SPECIALTY OF “SOCIAL WORK AND COUNSELING” (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE DISCIPLINES “SOCIAL INSPECTION”, “PROJECTING IN THE SOCIAL SPHERE”, “INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICES”)

I. Yu. Chaika — 2025-06-20

The article is devoted to the analysis of the features of using the project method in the training of future specialists in the social sphere and the presentation of the possibilities of the project approach in teaching educational components. The implementation of the project approach in the educational process of applicants for the specialty “Social Work and Counseling” contributes to the increase in the practice-orientedness of their training. The purpose of this study is to analyze the features of using the project method in the training of applicants for the specialty “Social Work and Counseling” at ZNU. When teaching the educational component “Social Inspection”, the lecturer has the task of preparing bachelors for professional activity in organizations of the social sphere.That is why the lecturer suggests carrying out a game project. Based on the results of project, the applicant acquires skills in working with documents, has an idea of the stages of implementing social support for a family/person, demonstrates practical skills in independently writing a social support plan. An example of a practice-oriented project is a social organization project, which is developed by groups of applicants during the study of the educational component “Projecting in the Social Sphere”. Master’s students are prepared for the possible creation of a social organization, the purpose of which will be to provide social services. While studying the academic discipline “International and National Social Services”, each bachelor prepares a project dossier, which structures information about the system of providing social services in the organization.

TRAINING FUTURE PSYCHOLOGISTS FOR WORK WITH PEOPLE TRAUMAIZED BY WAR

S. P. Yalanska — 2025-06-20

Training future psychologists at higher educational institutions should take into account the need to develop the competencies of specialists able to work effectively with people traumatized by war.The purpose of the article is to carry out a theoretical analysis of the issue related to training future psychologists in war conditions, to reveal practical experience and recommendations for the effective work of a practical/crisis psychologist in crisis situations, the peculiarities of psychological tools for socio-psychological recovery, the mental health support of people traumatized by war, building personal resilience, etc. Developing knowledge and skills necessary for work with veterans, military personnel and their family members is of great importance. The study reveals the experience of implementing the Certification Program “School of Extreme and Crisis Psychology” designed for specialists of care-giving professions. The content of psychological exercises is presented; their complex combination can contribute to the personality stabilization, resourcefulness and integration.

REVIEWS ON THE BOOK BY S. HARKAVTS AND L. VOLCHENKO “PSYCHOLOGY OF VIOLENCE: BULLYING, MOBING AND THEIR VARIETIES IN THE MODERN WORLD”

O. M. Yeremenko — 2025-06-20

REVIEWS ON THE BOOK BY S. HARKAVTS AND L. VOLCHENKO “PSYCHOLOGY OF VIOLENCE: BULLYING, MOBING AND THEIR VARIETIES IN THE MODERN WORLD”

Book review: Garkavets S., Volchenko L. Psychology of violence: bullying, mobbing and their varieties in the modern world: a textbook. Kyiv: Publishing House of the V. Dahl National University of Ukraine, 2024. 172 p.