Frontiers in Sociology· 2026Q1
Coping during wartime: a qualitative study on secular existential coping strategies of Ukrainians
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- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
Ukrainians facing wartime existential challenges draw on secular strategies like nature, cultural practices, civic engagement, routine, and contemplative activities for meaning-making, according to a qualitative study of 67 adults.
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Key points
- 67 Ukrainian adults were interviewed about their secular coping strategies during wartime.
- Key strategies include nature, cultural practices, civic engagement, routine, and contemplative activities.
- These secular strategies are embedded in cultural heritage, collective memory, personal agency, and social connection.
- Secular meaning-making can complement religious and clinical support models.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Introduction Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has generated profound psychological and existential challenges. Although religious coping has been widely studied, secular existential meaning-making during wartime remains underexplored. Methods A qualitative design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 67 adults aged 20-72 years from diverse occupational, regional, and religious backgrounds. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Five interrelated themes were identified: nature and physical space as sources of existential grounding; cultural and creative practices; civic engagement and solidarity; routine, work, and practical activity; and physical activity, meditation, and non-religious contemplative practices. These strategies were embedded in cultural heritage, collective historical memory, personal agency, and social connection. Discussion Secular existential meaning-making is a culturally grounded pathway of adaptation that can complement religious and clinical models of support. Psychosocial interventions in conflict settings should recognize psychological, existential, and cultural resources without treating religious identity as determinative of the coping strategies used.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Frontiers in Sociology, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Health
HealthSocial Sciences