Abstract
Sometimes nations at war have the support of their citizens, at other times, civilians with little tolerance for human casualties and violence demand peaceful solutions. This study examines why moral attitudes can erode during violent conflicts and what factors may explain how it happens. Using a random sample of civilians in a vulnerable lower- and middle-income country, Ukraine, we explore the consequences of exposure to a prolonged war. Specifically, we assess the relationship between vicarious war exposure and moral beliefs about violence subsequently including daily stressors and depressive symptoms as potential pathways between them. We find that civilians who report more vicarious exposure to an ongoing war are less likely to disapprove of violence. Daily stressors and depression further serve as important pathways linking war exposure to moral beliefs about violence. Our study illustrates the need for appropriate mental health services, stress management, and other critical interventions to help populations experiencing war and other traumatic occurrences. It also suggests that future studies should pay particular attention to how vital life events affect individual beliefs and attitudes.
