Young Adults Navigating Life Amid the Pressures of War in Ukraine

This critical ethnographic study examines the psychological, socio-economic, and cultural impacts of the armed conflict in Ukraine on young adults (aged 18–40), focusing on resilience and coping mechanisms. Using exploratory mixed-methods, the study included a literature review, semi-structured focus group with 17 participants, and a survey of 47 respondents. Findings show that 94% of respondents reported significant stress and anxiety, consistent with trauma models of prolonged conflict. Displacement, job insecurity, and disrupted education compounded socio-economic hardship, while strong family and community networks supported resilience. The conflict’s gendered nature emerged, with young men disproportionately affected by conscription pressures.The research addresses gaps in the literature by exploring how societal perceptions of mental health, displacement policies, educational access, and psychological support shape resilience during armed conflict, areas largely underexamined in Ukraine before 2022. It also situates findings within the broader socio-political and cultural context, contrasting fragmented governmental responses with emerging integrated approaches. By highlighting resilience in the face of systemic and personal challenges, this study underscores the need for targeted interventions in mental health, education, and economic recovery for young adults in conflict zones.