Specifics of the Life Strategies of Combat Participants (as Illustrated by the Guerrilla Fighters of the BASSR during the Great Patriotic War)

Abstract

Background. In the light of recent events, questions about an individual’s life strategy in extreme conditions have become of a special interest in psychological science and practice. The Great Patriotic War, especially the experience of the partisan movement, provides a vivid historical example of how a person can shape the trajectory of their life amid large-scale trials and constant risk. The theoretical relevance of the study stems fr om the need to operationalize the concept of “life strategy” in the context of guerrilla warfare, wh ere traditional models of planning and goal-setting were transformed by factors such as mortal danger, small-group cohesion, and ideological motivation. Analyzing an individual’s life strategy in this context allows for the verification and refinement of existing theoretical models of behaviour. Moreover, studying past experiences, along with examples of resilience and heroism, not only helps preserve historical memory and national identity but also serves as an important element of patriotic education for young people in the face of contemporary challenges.

Objective. The aim is to study the psychological characteristics of the life strategies of individuals who participated in military actions (using the example of partisans’ activities during the Great Patriotic War).

Study Participants. In this research, we studied 275 personal profiles of BASSR partisans aged from 18 to 40 years old.

Methods. The study was conducted using theoretical, biographical, and historical methods (archival materials review, official documents analysis; diary and memoir studies). For quantitative data processing, comparative and correlation analyses along with Fisher’s F-criterion and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were used. Content analysis was applied for qualitative and quantitative examination of various parameters characterizing the life strategies of partisans.

Results. We examined the psychological features of the life strategies employed by BASSR guerrilla fighters. Some differences in the representation of integral parameters of life strategies among combat participants depending on their age group were found. Statistically significant relationships between indicators of the partisans’ life strategies and their age-specific characteristics were identified.

Conclusions. Life strategies of BASSR partisans were deeply rooted in meaningful values. Anti-fascist fighters demonstrated a clear sense of purpose closely linked to ideals of freedom and justice. Their value systems included collectivism, patriotism, and humanism, which provided clarity to their actions and sustained morale. These principles influenced motivation, giving additional meaning even under the most difficult circumstances. Partisans showed high resistance to extreme conditions: their strategies incorporated adaptive mechanisms that helped overcome difficulties while maintaining psychological stability, enabling them to act efficiently in critical situations.