Features of the Subjective Well-Being of Men and Women in War Conditions

Abstract

Thе article presents the results of a theoretical and empirical study examining gender differences in subjective well-being among male and female representatives of the civilian population of Ukraine in wartime. The relevance of the study is due to the large-scale impact of military events on the mental health of the Ukrainian population and the need to identify factors of psychological resilience and vulnerability. The theoretical section is based on analysis of contemporary approaches to understanding subjective well-being, adaptation, and coping strategies in stressful conditions. The empirical basis of the study comprises data from the second wave of a mental health survey conducted among residents of Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region (2024, n = 560), with a gender-balanced sample. Standardized psychometric scales were used to assess subjective well-being, psychological. distress, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, resilience, and coping strategies. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients and the independent samples t-test  The findings reveal statistically significant gender differences: women demonstrate higher levels of anxiety, psychological distress, and PTSD symptoms, whereas men exhibit higher levels of resilience and subjective well-being. These differences are interpreted through the lens of biopsychosocial factors, including patterns of emotional processing, social roles, and coping strategies. The results highlight the importance of incorporating gender-sensitive approaches in the development of psychosocial support programs for populations affected by war..