Ways of Psychosocial Development During Adolescence (12–20 years)

We analyze the results of empirical operationalization of options (types) of psychosocial development in adolescent age. We studied a large sample of adolescents and young adults of 12-20 years (N = 1130, 48% male) from different strata of the urban and rural (17%) Ukrainian population (students of secondary, vocational, technical and higher education). We used the author’s method “Psychosocial Questionnaire”. Data were analyzed with K-means cluster analysis. We identified and analyzed five clusters (“internal”, “dominant”, “integrated”, “addict”, “aloof”), which represent individually typical features of modern youth psychosocial transition to a state of maturity. Clusters (types) were also analyzed with the following criteria: 1) productive / prosperous and non¬productive / dysfunctional types of psycho-social development; 2) psychosocial integration / adaptation and disintegration / maladaptation in the social world. We revealed the tasks and conditions of effective psychological support of the youth (correction zone) with different types of psycho-social development.

Informal Transformative Learning from a Life-Threatening Illness

This chapter explores how a life-threatening illness, specifically breast cancer, is an important site of informal learning. Research literature on the psychosocial transition of breast cancer, posttraumatic growth, and transformative learning theory are connected. Based on research, a model for informal transformative learning is presented. Broadly, this model has three elements: Crisis, Coping, and Engagement. The model addresses ways that a life-threatening illness can cause acute challenges, and that transformative learning occurs when a particular type of challenge is particularly problematic based on the person's habitual ways of thinking and being. The model positions this type of learning as an adaptive response to changes in a person's physical or social context changes, as well as when her positionality is altered within existing social contexts.

FACTORS THAT MITIGATE WAR-INDUCED ANXIETY AND MENTAL DISTRESS

The effects of war-induced anxiety and mental distress on individuals and groups can either be mitigated or exacerbated by ‘humanitarian action’. This paper focuses on two key factors that protect the mental well-being of war-affected populations: organized displacement or assisted relocation; and coordinated humanitarian aid operations that are responsive to local needs. Qualitative data from two internally displaced person (IDP) camps in Eritrea are presented. Analysis of these data serves to substantiate and refine a working hypothesis: that social support of the right type, provided at the right time and level, can mitigate the worst effects of war and displacement on victims/survivors. An integrated model of psychosocial transition is suggested. The implications of this approach for humanitarian policy and practice are discussed in the wider context of current debates and lamentations of the ‘humanitarian idea’.