Cite as (APA style):Ihnatovych, O. (2026). Psychological Support for Ukrainian Veterans Through the Method of Positive Psychotherapy. The Global Psychotherapist, 6(1), 52-60 http://doi.org/10.52982/lkj290
Abstract: The present study examines the effectiveness of Positive Psychotherapy (PPT) in supporting psychological recovery among Ukrainian veterans. Using a mixed-methods approach, 62 veterans participated in an eight-week PPT group intervention, which followed the five-stage model: Observation and Distance, Inventory, Situational Encouragement, Verbalization, and Expansion of Goals. Quantitative measures included the Wiesbaden Inventory for Positive Psychotherapy and Family Therapy (WIPPF), the Balance Questionnaire, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews.
Results demonstrated significant improvements in primary actual capacities, particularly patience and trust, alongside positive shifts in participants’ interpersonal tolerance (treated as an attitudinal indicator rather than a distinct PPT capacity). Participants also showed enhanced life balance across the body, achievement, contact, and fantasy domains, increased resilience and life satisfaction, and reduced intrapsychic conflict. Thematic analysis revealed experiences of meaning reconstruction, restored trust and emotional openness, and reintegration of previously neglected life domains. These findings highlight the alignment of empirical outcomes with core PPT constructs, including actual capacities and conflict transformation.
These results support the application of PPT as a culturally sensitive, strengths-based intervention for veterans, offering a replicable framework for fostering holistic well-being, resilience, and posttraumatic growth. The study contributes to the empirical validation of PPT and its adaptation for post-conflict rehabilitation contexts.
Keywords: Positive Psychotherapy, actual capacities, balance model, resilience, posttraumatic growth, Ukrainian veterans