Servicemen's dominant mental states: parameters, structure, and factor interdependence

The aim of the article was to theoretically substantiate and empirically investigate the dominant mental states of servicemen, some of whom participated in hostilities; and also to set parameters, to study the structure and interdependence of factors. Psychodiagnostic methods that were relevant to the subject and object of research were used. The respondents' dominant mental states were qualitatively interpreted, the optimal number of research factors was determined, and the psychological content features of the studied phenomenon were described. The ANOVA factor analysis determined the structure of the respondents' dominant mental states, which combined seven current states (F1 - F7), accounting for 71.651 % of the dispersion. It is established that F4 "pragmatic dominance" is the most important in the factor structure, with the most associations (n = 4); it is emphasized that the correlation between F4 and F1 is the most stable (rs=.333; p <=.01). It has been substantiated that psychological parameters, structure, and the interdependence of factors are key components in the resolution of service, tactical, fire, and combat activities. The results of the study should be operationalized in the professional education and tactical training of servicemen.