Psychosocial and neurobiological adaptation of youth to conditions of forced migration during the armed conflict in Ukraine

Abstract

Due to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, millions of citizens, particularly uni versity students, were forced to leave their homes and adapt to new sociocultural environments abroad. The psy chosocial, emotional, and neurobiological consequences of this process remain insufficiently studied, complicating the development of effective support programs for youth in forced igration settings. The purpose of this work was to conduct a comprehensive study of the psychosocial and neurobiological adaptation of Ukrainian youth to new living conditions abroad, identify key ntegration barriers, assess the respondents’ psycho-emotional state, and determine mechanisms that may improve the adaptation process. The study involved 103 respon dents aged 18–27 years, temporarily residing in various countries. A mixed-method approach was used, including questionnaires (with closed and open-ended questions), interviews, a validated quality of life assessment scale, and a literature review from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The dura tion of stay abroad directly influenced adaptation: from acute stress phases to gradual integration. Only 36.5 % of respondents felt safe after resettlement. Main adaptation barriers included cultural and mental differences (42.6 %), language difficulties (21.3 %), and “fatigue” of host populations regarding the Ukrainian issue (19.1 %). Chronic stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, negatively affecting neuroplasticity, cognitive function, and emotional stability. Despite the difficulties, prolonged stay abroad contributes to the formation of intercultural identity and resilience. The psychosocial adaptation of Ukrainian youth is a dynamic, multifactorial process in which neurobiological mechanisms play a key role. The findings highlight the need for interdisciplinary support programs that consider both the psycho-emotional state and neuroplastic potential of young people to ensure successful integration and prevent chronic stress disorders.