IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND MANAGEMENT RESEARCH (IJSSMR )

E-ISSN 2545-5303
P-ISSN 2695-2203
VOL. 11 NO. 5 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijssmr.vol.11no5.2025.pg326.332

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Exposure to Traumatic Experience and Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Resilience among Orthopaedic Patients’ Caregivers in Benue Northwest, Nigeria

Peniel Torkwase Yimam, Samuel Terzungwe Anhange PhD, Anyalewa Alan Ajonye PhD

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Abstract

This study investigated the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between exposure to traumatic experience and mental health among informal caregivers of orthopedic patients in Benue Northwest, Nigeria. Using cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 103 caregivers. They were comprised of 28 (27.2%) males and 75 (72.8%) females. Their ages ranged from 17-58years with a mean age of 33.738 years (SD=4.150). The respondents were drawn using census sampling technique. Three instruments; secondary traumatic stress scale, resilience scale and the general health questionnaire were used for data collection. The hypotheses raised in the study were tested using multiple linear regression, simple linear regression and Hayes Process mediation analysis. Results revealed a significant negative influence of exposure to traumatic experience on mental health. There was a significant positive influence of resilience on mental health. Meanwhile, resilience did not significantly mediate the relationship between exposure to traumatic experience and mental health. These results underscored the need for targeted psychosocial interventions that reduce trauma exposure and enhance coping resources among caregivers in under-resourced settings.

keywords:

Exposure to Traumatic Experience, Resilience, Mental Health, Caregivers, Orthopedic

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