RESILIENCE AND SELF-EFFICACY: THE PSYCHOLOGICAL DRIVERS TO EMPOWERING TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES FACED BY AGING POPULATION EXPOSED TO VIOLENT CONFLICT: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF GRASSROOTS COMMUNITIES IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study explored traumatic experiences faced by the aging population exposed to violent conflict using a qualitative analysis of five grassroots communities with the aim of finding out their experiences following violent conflicts. The study also aim to understand the extent to which the severity and type of Post-Traumatic Stress symptoms that are most significantly related to aging and functional impairment. The study used a phenomenological research design. The selection of a manageable sample was done using Purposive sampling to select 50 older people from 5 communities who have experience violent conflict and/or are now either internally displaced or have resettle back to their communities. Data was collected using qualitative method.  The instrument for data collection were structure interviews sessions generated using the Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms Scale (PSS-SR-5) of DSM -V developed for global use by the APA. The instrument was used to conduct a key informant interview with study participants that took about 45 minutes to administer. Qualitative data was analyzed using a phenomenological reduction process known as content analysis. Findings from the study reveals that older people who are exposed to violent conflict in plateau communities have series of Traumatic experiences. These include re-experiencing, hyper arousal, avoidance, depression, anxiety, suicidal prompt and aggression.  The Study  reveal that there could be other distressing symptoms older persons expose to violent conflict faced that are not categorize by DSM-V a gap for further investigation. The study recommend that an effective model for the prediction of the development of PTSD symptoms as well as immediate and long-term mental health support for trauma victims especially the older population should be developed.