ISSN 2520-6265 (print)
ISSN 2520-6273 (online)
THE ROLE OF PERSONALITY TRAITS, RESILIENCE, AND COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY
Authors:
O. Y. Kozlovska, PhD Student, 2nd Year of Study,
Faculty of Psychology,
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0947-7679
E-mail: kozlovska0410@gmail.com
D. Y. Pokrovskyi, PhD Student, 2nd Year of Study,
Faculty of Psychology,
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8347-9151
E-mail: pokrovskyidenys@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/upj.2025.2(24).5
Article Information
Issue: 2(24) 2025, pages: 99-127
Language: Ukrainian
Received: 01.10.2025
1st Revision: 08.10.2025
Accepted: 15.10.2025
This article explores complex interrelations between resilience, personality traits, and psychological flexibility in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The theoretical framework is grounded on approaches that conceptualize resilience as a dynamic process of adaptation to traumatic events, as well as on the notion of psychological flexibility as an individual’s capacity to respond effectively to internal experiences by accepting and integrating them rather than avoiding them. Particular attention is given to personality traits such as emotional stability, openness to new experiences, conscientiousness, and self-reflection, which may serve as either vulnerability or protective factors. Basing on a systematic review of recent empirical studies, we proposed an integrative model, incorporating several covariates, including age, gender, combat experience, injury occurrence, and severity of physical trauma. The performed correlational analysis revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between cognitive flexibility and PTSD symptoms, suggesting a complex role of mental adaptability in coping with traumatic experience. At the same time, an inverse correlation was observed between cognitive rigidity and resilience, indicating limited potential for recovery in individuals with high rigidity. Although the direct correlation between resilience and PTSD symptoms was not statistically significant, resilience might still act as a mediator or buffer against psychological distress. Linear regression modeling and factor analysis further clarified the contribution of both individual and situational variables in shaping psychological responses to combat-related trauma, highlighting the multifaceted nature of psychological defense, coping mechanisms, and recovery processes.
Key words: resilience, cognitive flexibility, cognitive rigidity, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality traits, neuroticism, conscientiousness, military personnel, combat experience, combat injuries, trauma, stress, adaptation.
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