Challenge Acceptance as a Key Psychological Characteristic of Ukrainian Sergeants During the War: A Research Note

Abstract

This exploratory pilot study aimed to identify psychological characteristics associated with combat readiness among Ukrainian sergeants engaged in the Russian–Ukrainian war. Eighty-three male sergeants (aged 26–60) from various combat units were assessed using psychological questionnaires and supervisor ratings of combat readiness. The findings revealed that challenge acceptance, a key component of hardiness, had the strongest positive correlation with combat readiness, while avoidance coping emerged as the most significant negative predictor. Additional negative coping strategies, such as indirect, antisocial, and aggressive actions, were also found to be negatively associated with readiness. These results provide initial insights into the psychological traits that may contribute to effective performance in combat and offer potential directions for refining selection and training processes for military personnel. Further research with larger samples is needed to confirm these findings and expand upon them.