Mateusz Kozioł, Bożena Gulla Sense of safety, coping with contemporary threats and indyvidual sensitivity

Abstrakt

This article refers to the perceived safety of young adults amid contemporary threats, exemplified by the war in Ukraine. It explores coping strategies and the sense of safety based on individual sensitivity, grounded in Elaine’s Aron concept of high sensitivity.

The study involved 314 individuals aged 19 to 25, predominantly students and urban residents. Participants were categorized into low (33), medium (94), and high sensitivity  (187) groups. Various scales were used to assess individual sensitivity, coping strategies and sense of safety and stress experiences related to contemporary threats among participants.

Results suggest highly sensitive individuals may experience greater vulnerability to contemporary threats. Variances in coping strategies and stress levels were observed among sensitivity groups, highlighting the impact of coping mechanisms on perceived safety. The study emphasizes the necessity for further research on individual sensitivity and suggests tailored interventions to enhance well-being, particularly for highly sensitive individuals.

Key words: high sensitivity, sense of safety, coping strategies, contemporary threats