The strategy of coping with stress and selected health-related behavioural patterns of demobilized battle participants

Aim of the research
The aim of the research was to express knowledge of the role of ties (relations) between mental factors such as trust in one’s own possibilities of coping with pain and availing of the active strategies of coping with stress, while also the degree of readiness to limit stress with the aid of the use of alcohol.

Material and methods
The research covered a group of 38 demobilized anti-terrorist operation (ATO) participants (men, 21–56 years) undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in the hospital. A measurement was conducted with the aid of certified psychological questionnaires and from medical documentation.

Results
A correlation was found between the active strategy of coping with the stress felt and the strategy of coping with pain of the internal control of pain (ICS) type – internal control of pain (r = 0.71; p < 0.05), as well as a negative correlation between the readiness to utilize stimulants with the aim of easing stress and the strategy of coping with pain of the ICS type (r = –0.58; p < 0.05).

Conclusions
The ways of coping with stress and pain by the hospitalized participants of combat action may be significant factors (of a psychological nature) that have an impact on their readiness to undertake behaviour that is significant for their health (such as alcohol and others) with the aim of reducing the symptoms of nervous tension felt.