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Ilona Rudenko – Ph.D. in Psychology, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology of Activity in Special Conditions. National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine, Cherkasy (Ukraine)
ORCID 0000-0002-9992-6780
Lyudmyla Mokhnar – Ph.D. in Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology of Activity in Special Conditions. National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine, Cherkasy (Ukraine)
ORCID 0000-0001-7753-2345
Olha Zhoglo – Lecturer at the Department of Psychology of Activity in Special Conditions. National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine, Cherkasy (Ukraine)
ORCID 0009-0003-3869-4132
DOI - https://doi.org/10.52363/dcpp-2025.2.7
Keywords: emotional-volitional self-regulation, dysregulation, hyperarousal, hypoarousal, psychological resilience.
The article is devoted to the scientific substantiation of the importance of studying the features of emotional-volitional self-regulation of emergency response professionals as an integral part of their psychological resilience, the ability to recover after traumatic events, adapt to them, and continue to act effectively. The paper describes specific factors of martial law that lead to dysregulation of a professional’s emotional state, as they create constant and excessive stress on the nervous system. The factors include chronic and cumulative stress caused by continuous exposure to traumatic events; sleep deprivation, which depletes the physical and mental resources necessary for the restoration of neural networks; as well as social-role dysfunction, which blocks the social support system due to professional isolation and the need to suppress emotions. It was analyzed that episodes of dysregulation in states of hyperarousal or hypoarousal critically reduce operational effectiveness and increase safety risks. In a state of hyperarousal, emergency response professionals demonstrate incorrect risk assessment, impulsivity in decision-making, tunnel vision, and aggressive, unclear communication. In a state of hypoarousal, decision paralysis, reduced muscle tone, and slowed motor skills occur. Both states multiply safety risks, both for the professional themselves and for the team and the victims.
Recommendations are proposed for maintaining the psychological resilience of emergency response professionals and for recovery under conditions of limited time and resources. Short-term techniques are effectively used for quick restoration of control in limited time conditions. Long-term support strategies are aimed at increasing the plasticity of the nervous system and strengthening psychological resources. This significantly enhances the professional’s ability for rapid emotional-volitional self-regulation and makes them more resistant to new stressors. Long-term strategies expand the range of emotional-volitional self-regulation, which is the best prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder and burnout.