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Posttraumatic Stress and Life Satisfaction Among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) In Benue State: The Mediating Role of Resilience

Sarah Mbaaven Audu, Samuel Terzungwe Anhange, Pauline Aiingona Atsehe

Abstract

Life satisfaction among Internally Displaced Persons is generally known to be poor, yet not much is empirically known on life satisfaction among IDPs in Benue State. This study explored the mediating role of resilience between posttraumatic stress and life satisfaction among Internally Displaced Persons in Benue State. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design in which 376 IDPs, comprising 173(46.0%) males and 203(54.0%) females, whose ages ranged from 18 – 70 (Mean age =34.86, SD=10.53) served as participants. The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Resilience Scale were used in data collection. Data analysis involved the use of Simple Linear Regression, Multiple Linear Regression, Hierarchical Multiple Regression and Hayes Process Macro Mediation Analysis. Results revealed that, posttraumatic stress showed a significant negative influence on life satisfaction among IDPs in Benue State. Results also indicated that, resilience had a significant positive influence on life satisfaction among the IDPs. Furthermore, resilience significantly mediated the relationship between posttraumatic stress and life satisfaction among the IDPs. The study also recommends that, management of IDPs camps in Benue State should employ Clinical Psychologists for intervention in areas such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy that have shown effectiveness in the management of posttraumatic stress, as well as introduce resilience training to the IDPs as a way of improving life satisfaction among IDPs in Benue State. Key words: Posttraumatic stress, resilience, life satisfaction, Internally Displaced persons

Keywords

Posttraumatic stressresiliencelife satisfactionInternally Displaced persons

References

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