Social Intelligence during Wartime: Content Characteristics and Adaptive Potential

Abstract

The article examines the psychological content characteristics of social intelligence as an important resource for individual adaptation in wartime conditions. The relevance of the study is determined by profound social and psychological transformations caused by prolonged stress, traumatic experiences, disruption of established social ties, and the need to function under constant threat. The paper analyzes major scientific approaches to understanding the phenomenon of social intelligence and substantiates its role in emotional understanding, interpersonal interaction, self-regulation, and the use of social support. Social intelligence is interpreted as an integrative psychological characteristic that combines social perception, emotional sensitivity, the ability to anticipate the behavior of others, and flexibility in responding to social situations. It is demonstrated that in wartime conditions social intelligence performs a mediating function between an individual’s internal experiences and interaction with the social environment. A higher level of social intelligence contributes to reduced anxiety, the use of constructive coping strategies, and the activation of social support resources. The findings highlight its significance for the development of psychological resilience, social cohesion, and civic engagement in times of social crisis. It is concluded that in wartime realities social intelligence represents an important individual and social resource for preserving mental health and supporting collective adaptation, while further research should focus on the development of practical approaches to fostering social intelligence in different social groups.