Abstract

Background. The relevance of the study is determined by the need to organize scientifically based psychological support and rehabilitation of children and adolescents who have experienced traumatic events related to combat operations.

Objective. To explore the potential of implementing the Nonexistent Animal Test to assess the emotional state of children who have experienced traumatic events in combat zones.

Study Participants. The study involved children from the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, as well as the Kursk and Belgorod regions. The total sample consisted of 50 children aged 4.5 to 13 years (mean age 7.7 years), including 24 children (48%) who lived in the combat zone and were relocated to temporary accommodation centers without their parents, and 26 children (52%) who were relocated from cities near the combat zone with a parent or guardian.

Methods. The Nonexistent Animal Test, content analysis, analysis of an individual case.

Results. The study results revealed pronounced emotional disturbances in children experiencing combat situations and forced resettlement. The Nonexistent Animal Test confirmed its diagnostic value for identifying anxiety, aggression, and signs of psychological trauma in children experiencing stressful situations in war zones.

Conclusions. Children with experience of living in a war zone exhibit increased levels of anxiety and aggression, as well as depressed mood. The study confirms the feasibility of using the Nonexistent Animal Test with children relocated to temporary accommodation centers.