According to psychologist Jürgen Margraf, a familiarization effect in the West is playing into the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Ukraine war. “When the Russian troops advanced into Ukraine a year ago and the first rockets hit, we were all shocked,” Margraf told the German Press Agency. He recalled the large demonstrations that took place after the war of aggression began on February 24, 2022. In the meantime, however, normality has almost returned. Margraf, Humboldt Professor and head of the Research and Treatment Center for Mental Health at the University of Bochum, is considered one of the leading fear researchers.
It has been scientifically proven that strong feelings due to a particularly positive or particularly negative experience subside after a certain time, said Margraf. “In most cases, you get used to the really bad catastrophes in life. After a certain time you’re back to where you started – no matter what happened before.” This mechanism also works in relation to war.
In addition, the shock effect of the unknown wears off after a while. The fact that there was war again in the middle of Europe was initially felt to be extremely disturbing. In this completely unfamiliar situation, most people would have developed a strong need for information in order to be able to better assess the situation. This stage is now over. Margraf referred to the sharp drop in ratings for special programs, which are now offered much less. Getting used to it is always accompanied by a loss of interest. “Many people say quite frankly: ‘I really can’t stand to hear about the Ukraine anymore!'”
Means against the habituation effect
One might assume that Putin is aware of this effect. He is possibly speculating on the waning interest of Western voters. This could be accompanied by a reduced willingness to accept restrictions in personal life to support Ukraine.
It is difficult, but certainly not impossible, to tackle these psychological processes, said Margraf. Politicians could take countermeasures by emphasizing the relevance of the war for Germany as well. “Putin is showing classic bullying behavior,” said Margraf. “A faceoff can only be contained by strength – perceived weakness is a further encouragement for him to escalate. We have to keep this in mind: If we don’t take a firm stand against this faceoff, it will keep going.”
The fact that many people are open to such arguments, despite the fact that they have become accustomed to them, is shown by the attitude towards arms deliveries to Ukraine. Despite initial skepticism, surveys show that the supply of main battle tanks is now supported by a majority.
