PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS AS PREDICTORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING AMONG INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

This study examined the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder, social support, and psychological resilience as factors affecting psychological well-being among internally displaced individuals in Jos South. A cross-sectional survey methodology was employed, engaging 600 people from various age groups by purposive sampling. The research employed standardized questionnaires for data collection. The data were examined by multiple regression analysis and the independent samples t-test. The findings demonstrated that post-traumatic stress disorder, social support, and psychological resilience significantly and collectively forecasted psychological well-being among internally displaced persons in IDP camps [R=.591, R2 = .349, F(4,595) = 79.87; P <.01]. PTSD avoidance (β=.140; t=2.88; P<.05), social support (β=.318; t=7.95; P<.05), and resilience (β=.273; t=7.089; P<.05) emerged as significant and positive predictors of psychological well-being in individuals displaced to IDP camps. Moreover, socio-demographic variables (age, gender, family composition, married status, education, religion, and occupation) substantially and collectively forecasted psychological well-being among internally displaced persons in the IDP camp [R = .199, R² = .039, F(7,592) = 3.47; P < .05]. The type of family (β=-.160; t=-3.66; P<.05) and religion (β=-.081; t=1.98; P<.05) independently influence the psychological well-being of internally displaced persons in IDP camps. Gender had a substantial impact on the psychological well-being of internally displaced persons in the IDP camp {t(598)=2.315; P<.05}. It was recommended that group therapy and possible self-instructional therapy can be introduce in the counseling and management of the internally displaced persons in Plateau State to prepare them for independent adaptive and coping styles that can assist them stand the challenging situation.

Keywords:  Social Support, Psychological Resilience, Coping, Parenting Styles, Psychological Wellbeing