Critical attitude to fake information as a personal factor in psychological well-being under war conditions

Abstract

Introduction. Crisis situations that arise during war almost always threaten the individual’s psychological well-being due to unforeseen and sudden circumstances which endanger a person's life or health. False (fake) information is one of such threats, which can lead to wrong actions and reactions of the population. Therefore, factors in countering information-related threats to the psychological well-being of citizens under war conditions are an important research problem in Ukrainian psychology. Aim. To highlight the importance of critical thinking, in particular the critical attitude of a person to fake information, for preserving their psychological well-being in war conditions. Methods. Theoretical analysis of the literature on psychological well-being of the individual in war conditions, threats to human security caused by fake information, and critical thinking as a person-related factor in countering fake information. Results. The article highlights the structural components of an individual’s psychological well-being. There is a relationship between the satisfaction of a person's dominant needs and the level of psychological well-being. In the conditions of war, the need for security and protection including protection from fake information has become dominant. The ability to think critically and counter fake information is a person-relevant factor in psychological well-being of an individual. Thus, critical thinking and the ability to counter fakes should be developed. Conclusions. Critical attitude to fake information plays an important role in preserving individuals’ psychological well-being under war conditions.