Does Psychological Distress Mediate the Relationship Between Encounters With Rights Violations and Morale among Ukrainian Military Personnel?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29038/2306-3971-2024-02-32-32Keywords:
psychological distress, Ukrainian military personnel, morale, encounters with rights violationsAbstract
This study focuses on Ukrainian military personnel and aims to explore how their experiences with violations of their rights influence morale both directly and indirectly through their psychological state. The survey, conducted in September 2023, collected data from 443 service members. Encounters with rights violations were assessed using two variables: encounters with violations of rights, benefits, and guarantees, and encounters with social issues. Psychological distress (SCL-9-NR) was used as an indicator of psychological state, while morale was measured through trust in the unit and self-assessment of combat morale. SEM analysis was employed to assess the relationships between these variables. The results indicate that encounters with rights violations reduce morale among service members. This effect manifests both directly and indirectly by increasing psychological distress. The findings highlight the importance of ensuring legal protection for service members and creating conditions to reduce distress. This includes developing mechanisms for legal defense, improving investigation procedures for rights violations, and implementing programs to enhance service members’ awareness of their rights. Additionally, improving internal communication and fostering mutual support within units can contribute to boosting morale. However, the study has limitations: non-representativeness of the sample, cross-sectional design, and reliance on a single indicator of psychological well-being. Future research utilizing panel data and a broader range of psychological state indicators will enable deeper exploration of this topic.
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