In the light of the burgeoning interest on the subject of rituals, our study was aimed at examining the proces in which dysphoric war experiences are related to the emergence and implementation of various ritual modalities as well as in the role both the rituals and the intense combat experiences play on social cohesion and identity fusion within groups. Using Focus group methodology, we mobilised and conversed with a diverse sample of Croatian Homeland War veterans, which were involved in various levels of combat intensity, whilst also discriminating between voluntary and conscripted war participants. Our findings indicate that high level of involvement in direct combat activities is paired with a more rich and vivid recollection and incidence of rituals as well as a more intense sense of comradery and trust. The study yielded an exhaustive taxonomy of wartime ritual activity that emerged during the Croatian Homeland War and identified various components of veteran group cohesion.

Psihologija