Resilience and Social Support as Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Displaced Workers in Conflict Zones in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

The lives of millions of people have been severely disrupted in conflict zones and displacement-affected areas worldwide, with internally displaced people (IDPs) being among the most vulnerable groups. Hence, this study aims to examine resilience and social support as predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among IDP workers in conflict zones in Northern Nigeria. A cross-sectional research design was adopted for this study. The study was carried out among internally displaced people living in IDP camps in Borno (Gumi and Masara camp) and Niger State (Gwari camp), respectively, and a sample size of 205 participants was selected using the G-power analysis. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from 93 males and 112 females, with an average age of 38.89 and a standard deviation of 16.52.  The results revealed that resilience significantly predicts PTSD, and social support also significantly and positively predicts PTSD among IDP workers in conflict zones. Additionally, resilience and social support jointly and significantly predict PTSD among IDP workers in conflict zones. The study concluded by recommending that both the government and non-governmental organizations should work together toward creating a trauma-focused intervention program that addresses the psychological and social needs of the IDPs.