THEORETICAL BASIS OF THE IMPACT OF COMBAT TRAUMA ON FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS AND SOCIAL ADAPTATION OF VETERANS

Abstract

The article presents a theoretical and analytical study of the impact of combat-related traumatization on family relationships and the social adaptation of veterans in the context of contemporary societal transformations. Based on a synthesis of contemporary scientific approaches, the essence of psychological trauma and the specific nature of combat-related traumatization are revealed as a distinct form of psychotraumatic experience formed under conditions of prolonged exposure to extreme military factors. It has been established that the way traumatic events are experienced is largely determined by individual psychological characteristics, adaptive resources, emotional regulation patterns, and the ability to constructively process traumatic experiences. The article analyzes the main psychological manifestations of combat-related traumatization, including emotional dysregulation, dissociative reactions, difficulties in social interaction, decreased trust, increased conflict proneness, and certain forms of deviant behavior. It is demonstrated that the consequences of psychotraumatic experience gradually extend beyond the individual’s internal psychological sphere and begin to shape the nature of interpersonal relationships and social functioning. Special attention is devoted to the analysis of the impact of combat-related traumatization on veterans’ family relationships. It has been established that combat experience may lead to changes in family communication, emotional intimacy, the distribution of family roles, and approaches to conflict resolution. The study substantiates the proposition that, upon a servicemember’s return from a combat zone, adaptation processes involve not only the veteran but the entire family system. On this basis, the author proposes the concept of “veteran family readaptation,” defined as the process of restoring emotional, role-based, and communicative balance within the family after the experience of combat-related trauma. The findings of the study lead to the conclusion that overcoming the consequences of combat-related traumatization requires a comprehensive interdisciplinary system of psychological support focused not only on reducing posttraumatic manifestations but also on restoring the veteran’s personal potential, strengthening family relationships, promoting social participation, and creating conditions for full reintegration into civilian life.