Zamkova Iryna, Doctor of Economics, Professor, Professor of the Department of Food and Material Supply, Military Academy (Odesa), Odesa, Ukraine

ORCID: 0000-0001-5172-3821
e-mail: iryna_zamkova@meta.ua

Sirenko Natalia, Doctor of Economics, Professor, Head of the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance, Mykolaiv National Agrarian University, Mykolaiv, Ukraine

ORCID: 0000-0003-1660-1073
e-mail: sirenko@mnau.edu.ua

Vilkhovetska Alina, Cadet, Military Academy (Odesa), Odesa, Ukraine

ORCID: 0009-0002-4792-2590
e-mail: vilhovetskaya.alina@icloud.com

Sologub Lyubov, Higher Education Applicant, Mykolaiv National Agrarian University, Mykolaiv, Ukraine

ORCID: 0009-0009-2988-1132
e-mail: lubovsviatokum@gmail.com

Gender Reconfiguration of the Mental Load of Ukrainian Women in the Conditions of Full-Scale War

Abstract. Introduction. The full-scale war in Ukraine has led to substantial changes in social structures, particularly in the distribution of gender roles and responsibilities. Women increasingly assume multiple roles, combining employment with household management, caregiving, and emotional support functions within the family. These conditions intensify the phenomenon of mental load, making it more complex and multidimensional.

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to analyze the transformation of the mental load of Ukrainian women during wartime and to identify the specific features of combining professional responsibilities with emotional management within the family. The study also aims to determine the socio-psychological consequences of this increased burden.

Results. The findings indicate that Ukrainian women perform an expanded range of social roles under wartime conditions, acting simultaneously as professionals, caregivers, household managers, and emotional coordinators of family life. The mental load significantly increases due to constant decision-making under uncertainty, crisis management, and the need to maintain social and emotional stability within the family. It has been established that the combination of professional activity and emotional labor leads to role conflict, chronic fatigue, and a higher risk of emotional burnout. Additionally, the study highlights that the redistribution of gender roles is asymmetrical, as the expansion of women’s professional roles is not accompanied by a proportional reduction in domestic responsibilities.

Conclusions. The study concludes that the full-scale war has become a catalyst for the transformation of gender roles and the strengthening of women’s social participation in Ukraine. However, this transformation is associated with a significant increase in mental load and psychological pressure. The lack of institutional support mechanisms exacerbates the imbalance between professional and family responsibilities. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop effective social and state policies aimed at reducing women’s mental burden, supporting their psychological well-being, and ensuring a sustainable work–life balance in wartime conditions.

Keywords: mental load; gender roles; Ukrainian women; full-scale war; emotional management of the family; professional activity; social transformation.

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