Psychological resilience and mentalization of military surgeons under combat stress: a multidisciplinary approach to overcoming emotional burnout

Abstract

Background. Military surgeons work in extreme conditions where limited resources, constant time constraints, and life-threatening situations are part of everyday reality. This situation requires not only impeccable professional training, but also a high level of psychological resilience, the ability to adapt quickly, and to act effectively under pressure. The purpose of the study is to conduct a retrospective analysis of scientific sources on psychological resilience and mentalization ability in military surgeons as factors contributing to reducing the level of emotional burnout in combat stress conditions and to prove the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach to maintaining the mental health of medical personnel. Materials and methods. The study was based on an analysis of domestic and foreign scientific works using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for 2008–2025, as well as a bibliometric, analytical, systematic, and statistical approach. The literature search was conducted using the keywords: “military surgeons”, “adaptation to combat, extreme conditions”, “emotional burnout”, and “psychological resilience”. A survey of 18 military surgeons (Role 1) was conducted to establish professional burnout syndrome using the validated diagnostic method of O. Chaban and the questionnaire “Adaptability-200”. Data processing was performed using Excel and Statistica software, and statistical reliability of the results was verified using Spearman’s nonparametric rank correlation coefficient. Results. Correlation analysis using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient revealed a statistically significant linear relationship between the questionnaire score and the age of respondents, as well as their work experience, indicating the influence of these factors on the formation of emotional burnout syndrome. The results of the study of psychological stability and adaptive potential showed the presence of the following characteristics in the study sample: 20.0 % of respondents demonstrated signs of nervous and mental instability; 40.0 % had reduced communication potential; 20.0 % exhibited reduced level of moral and ethical normativity; 20.0 % reported a low level of military and professional focus; 20.0 % had pronounced deviant behavioral traits; 20.0 % showed markers of increased risk of suicidal behavior. The data obtained indicate the need for systematic psychological support for personnel and the implementation of targeted correctional and rehabilitation programs within the military medical environment. Conclusions. Preserving the human resources of military medicine, particularly surgeons, is a strategic task for Ukraine’s defense system. The effectiveness of medical care in combat zones is largely determined by the professional training and psychological resilience of personnel working in high-risk conditions with limited resources.