Coping during wartime: a qualitative study on secular existential coping strategies of Ukrainians.

INTRODUCTION

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has generated profound psychological and existential challenges. Although religious coping has been widely studied, secular existential meaning-making during wartime remains underexplored.

METHODS

A qualitative design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 67 adults aged 20-72 years from diverse occupational, regional, and religious backgrounds. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Five interrelated themes were identified: nature and physical space as sources of existential grounding; cultural and creative practices; civic engagement and solidarity; routine, work, and practical activity; and physical activity, meditation, and non-religious contemplative practices. These strategies were embedded in cultural heritage, collective historical memory, personal agency, and social connection.

DISCUSSION: Secular existential meaning-making is a culturally grounded pathway of adaptation that can complement religious and clinical models of support. Psychosocial interventions in conflict settings should recognize psychological, existential, and cultural resources without treating religious identity as determinative of the coping strategies used.