PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE AS A RESOURCE FOR ADAPTATION TO EXTREME CONDITIONS

Abstract

Introduction. In today’s world, characterized by rapid changes, global crises, armed conflicts, natural disasters, pandemics, and social upheavals, the issue of individual adaptation to extreme conditions is becoming increasingly relevant. When faced with unstable environments, individuals experience significant psychological challenges that can lead to maladjustment, mental health disorders, and reduced life functioning. In such situations, psychological resilience plays a key role–it is the ability to maintain or restore functionality, emotional balance, and effective thinking and behavior in response to stressful or traumatic events.Purpose. The study aims to analyze psychological resilience as a resource for adaptation to extreme conditions, to identify its structural components, the factors influencing its formation, and the mechanisms of its functioning in critical life situations. Particular attention is given to the practical significance of resilience development among high-risk professionals (military personnel, rescuers, medical workers), as well as the civilian population in crisis conditions.Scientific novelty. The novelty lies in a comprehensive approach to understanding psychological resilience as an integrative resource for adaptation in extreme environments. The study presents an interdisciplinary analysis of the phenomenon of resilience, encompassing psychological, neuropsychological, sociocultural, and bioethical dimensions. A clarified definition of «psychological resilience» is proposed as a dynamic process that includes cognitive flexibility, emotional self-regulation, positive self-identity, social support, and the capacity for reflection in the context of threats.Conclusions. Psychological resilience is a system-forming resource that enables individuals to maintain functionality under the most challenging conditions. It serves not only as an indicator of mental health but also as a factor in personal growth, recovery, and transformation. The analysis demonstrates that resilience is shaped by a combination of individual traits, social connections, cultural narratives, and external conditions. It can be purposefully developed, creating opportunities for the implementation of psychological prevention and rehabilitation programs, especially for vulnerable populations and high-risk professions.