Psychological adaptation during war and life crisis: the role of anxiety and coping flexibility

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between anxiety, coping and psychological adaptation under prolonged war-related threat. It aims to identify criteria for assessing the adaptive value of coping in the circumstances in which it is used. The theoretical review combines conceptual analysis, comparison of published findings and synthesis of research on stress and resilience. The sources include recent meta-analyses and studies of Ukrainians with different experiences of war, including research on psychological resources, well-being and positive mental health. The analysis distinguishes current anxiety, trait anxiety, coping efforts and resilience as an adaptive process. Five interrelated criteria are proposed: situational controllability, the function of the strategy, the duration of its use and consequences, resource availability and changes in everyday functioning. Together, they explain why strategies bearing the same name may support recovery or prolong difficulties. Emotion regulation can enable subsequent action; temporary distancing may reduce overload, whereas persistent avoidance of necessary decisions restricts opportunities for coping. A strategy is therefore considered in relation to the demands it addresses and the possibility of revising it in response to its consequences. Anxiety in the presence of actual danger may coexist with a return to study, work and social relationships. The proposed approach supports psychological assistance that takes account of the person’s condition, realistic opportunities to influence events and access to help. It also distinguishes the possession of resources from their use and from the outcomes of adaptation. The conclusions are theoretical and limited by purposive source selection and differences between the populations studied. The proposed criteria require operationalisation and empirical evaluation. Further longitudinal research should examine changes in anxiety, coping flexibility and functioning over time. Research involving university students should additionally consider educational conditions and support within the university community.