Background: Psychological distress in wartime is a multidimensional and dynamic phenomenon encompassing cognitive, emotional, social, and structural aspects, potentially leading to a spectrum of short- and long-term consequences including anxiety, hopelessness, impaired daily functioning, and psychological exhaustion. In such contexts, relying solely on quantitative indicators is insufficient for a profound understanding of individuals’ lived experiences; subjective meanings and personal interpretations of war-related events must also be explored. Comprehending these lived experiences is crucial for designing effective, acceptable, and culturally and socially relevant psychological interventions for conflict-affected populations.



Objective: This study aimed to conduct a deep, phenomenological exploration of the factors contributing to psychological distress in war and to elucidate its formation and perpetuation from the perspective of individuals exposed to such circumstances.



Method: The present research was a qualitative study employing a descriptive phenomenological approach within an interpretive paradigm. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Data management and coding were performed using MAXQDA 2020 software. To enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of the findings, strategies such as member checking with 10 participants, review and adjudication of results by 3 specialists, and the involvement of a total of 24 individuals in the data analysis process were utilized.



Findings: Data analysis revealed six primary themes: informational and cognitive turmoil, direct and media-based exposure to violence, cognitive dysfunctions, political polarization, psychological insecurity, and the erosion of support networks. Each theme contained multiple subthemes and clusters, underscoring the complexity and multidimensionality of war-induced psychological distress.



Conclusion: The findings indicated that psychological distress during wartime results from the interplay of information overload, cognitive dissonance, social ruptures, political conflicts, and economic insecurity. Consequently, interventions aimed at alleviating distress and enhancing resilience should adopt a multi-level and culturally sensitive approach, integrating the promotion of media literacy, management of media consumption, strengthening of social support, and meaning-centered interventions.