The Psychological Aspects of Combat Stress

Abstract

The presence of combat stress was even recorded as early as the ancient times, however specific descriptions of it started spreading only in the 18th century. The phenomenon was given several names over the years and opinions about treatments often varied significantly too. Indisputably, the prevention of combat stress, created in the modern era of warfare, is just as relevant as the treatment itself. In order for effective prevention, we need to distinguish two types of combat stress: the acute and sudden combat stress resulting in extreme reactions, and the chronic and long-term combat stress resulting from several factors. The separation of the two types of stress based on causative aspects necessitate the development and the implementation of highly complex psychological support which would include selection, preparation and treatment methods as well.