PECULIARITIES OF MEMORY AND THINKING IN SERIOUSLY WOUNDED COMBATANTS IN THE PROCESS OF SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL ADAPTATION

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of cognitive characteristics of memory and thinking in severely wounded combatants in the process of their socio-psychological adaptation. It examines the impact of combat injuries, psychological stress and rehabilitation factors on key cognitive processes that determine the success of recovery and integration into society. Particular attention is paid to identifying impairments in verbal memory and analytical thinking, as well as the potential of visual memory as a resource for rehabilitation.Purpose. The aim of the study is to determine the characteristics of short-term, long-term and visual memory, and analytical thinking in severely wounded combatants in the process of social and psychological adaptation.Methods. The study uses theoretical, empirical and statistical methods. An empirical survey of 42 severely wounded combatants aged 25-47 was conducted. To assess cognitive functions, the following methods were used: A. Luria’s «10-Word Learning» test, the test «Memory for Images», and the Progressive Matrices by J. Raven and L. Penrose. The study consisted of four stages: psychodiagnostic, analytical, formative, and control. Results. The initial diagnosis revealed pronounced impairments in short-term and long-term verbal memory and reduced analytical thinking ability. Imagery memory was relatively preserved, although there were individual variations. After completing a psychocorrectional programme that included cognitive training, psychological counselling, relaxation techniques, and elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy, positive dynamics were noted in all measured indicators. The best results were demonstrated by participants with lower anxiety levels and higher motivation to recover. Conclusions. The results confirm that cognitive impairments are typical in severely wounded combatants in the early stages of adaptation. At the same time, preserved visual memory resources open up prospects for the use of visual techniques in rehabilitation.Comprehensive psychological support contributes to the improvement of cognitive functioning, and its timely application increases the effectiveness of socio-psychological adaptation. Further research should focus on studying the impact of types of injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries, on cognitive functions.