PSYCHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSTICS AND ASSISTANCE IN MASS CRISIS SITUATIONS: NEW CHALLENGES OF PUBLIC SPACE

Abstract

The article highlights the features of psychological diagnostics and assistance in conditions of mass crisis situations, which significantly transform the public space and the psycho-emotional state of the population. The relevance of the topic is due to the increase in the number of social, natural and man-made disasters, pandemics, military conflicts, which cover large groups of the population and have far-reaching consequences for the collective and individual psyche. The authors focus on the new challenges facing psychological assistance specialists in conditions of information overload, dynamic environmental change, destabilization of familiar social ties and a general increase in anxiety in society. The paper analyzes modern theoretical approaches to understanding psychological crisis, in particular the concept of “crisis life situation” as a specific state of the individual, characterized by loss of control, inability to effectively self-regulate and the need for external support. Methods of psychological diagnostics in mass crisis situations are considered in detail, especially in the context of working with large groups of people in open (public) space. The features of using express diagnostic methods, screening tools, psychometric questionnaires and interviews adapted to rapidly changing and high-risk conditions are outlined. Special attention is paid to coping strategies used by both victims and specialists in crisis situations. Based on the analysis of domestic and foreign sources, the effectiveness of strategies of emotional distancing, social support, spiritual practices, cognitive restructuring and behavioral activity as ways to overcome stress and mobilize the internal resources of the individual is illustrated. The importance of developing professional competence of psychologists in providing first psychological aid in public spaces is emphasized – at train stations, in shelters, evacuation centers, online spaces, etc. The article emphasizes the need to rethink the role of public space as not only a physical, but also a communication environment in which psychological intervention is carried out. The author emphasizes that the effectiveness of assistance depends on the ability of specialists to quickly adapt to conditions, establish contact with a diverse audience, ensure a safe atmosphere and ethics of intervention. The prospects for the implementation of innovative digital tools (mobile applications, chatbots, telemedicine platforms) for real-time diagnostics and support are also outlined.