Individual aggressiveness of contemporary Ukrainian medical students during the early years of training

The ongoing War for the Independence of Ukraine turns aggression into a survival tool, resulting in social withdrawal and persistent psychological distress, which influences the level of aggressiveness among modern Ukrainian medical students. The aim of the study was to assess the degree of aggressiveness in junior medical students (1st and 2nd years) accounting for their mental health problems like stress, depression, and anxiety. Material and methods. The Buss–Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI-75) and DASS21 questionnaire (Ukrainian versions) were used in psychological testing of 257 preclinical medical students who volunteered to participate in the testing (males – 112, females – 145). The test scores were processed statistically using the statistical analysis package “data analysis” in Microsoft Excel. The classic data analysis tools used included descriptive statistics, correlation, t-test, and histogram. Results. Contemporary Ukrainian junior medical students (MS1 and MS2) demonstrated low aggressiveness (60.31 ± 3.05 %) often combined with high hostility (47.08 ± 3.11 %). Male students scored significantly higher in physical assault than females (p < 0.001), while females exhibited higher verbal aggression (p < 0.05) and irritability (p < 0.001). Moreover, medical students demonstrated elevated anxiety (66.02 ± 2.96 %), stress (59.77 ± 3.06 %), and a tendency toward depression (48.05 ± 3.05 %). Stress and anxiety levels were substantially higher among females compared male students (р < 0.001 for both parameters). Statistically significant positive correlations of weak-to-moderate magnitude were found between BDHI-75 subscales (indirect aggression, irritation, resentment, feeling guilty, hostility index) and DASS-21 scores (anxiety, depression, stress). Conclusions. The “low aggression, high hostility” profile typical of modern Ukrainian medical students reflects deep-seated negative affect, which may predispose individuals to repressed anger, stress internalization, and potential somatic health consequences. Given this psychological profile and the widespread prevalence of stress, depression, and anxiety, Ukrainian medical students require systemic psychological support within the medical university setting.