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Trauma-Resilience, Hope and Subjective Well-Being Among Internally Displaced Persons in Benue State, Nigeria

Jessica Ishughun Usha Pauline Atsehe PhD

Abstract

Subjective well-being is an important construct, particularly among internally displaced persons who continue to face the challenges of dislocation and trauma in Benue State. However, indigenous research exploring the role of psychological variables on subjective well-being remains limited. Against this backdrop, this study investigated trauma-resilience, hope, and subjective well-being among internally displaced persons in Benue State. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 399 participants across IDP camps in Benue State. The participants comprised 185 (46.8%) males and 210 (53.2%) females, with ages ranging from 25 to 44 years, and a mean age of 31.93 years (SD = .703). The study used both single-stage cluster sampling technique and purposive sampling technique to select participants, while the Trauma- Resilience Scale, Hope Scale, and Subjective Well-Being Scale were utilized for data collection. Hypotheses were tested using both simple linear regression and multiple regression analyses. The results indicated a significant influence of trauma-resilience on subjective well-being among IDPs in Benue State [R = .376, R2 = .141, F(1, 397) = 63.340, p < .05]. Additionally, hope had a significant positive influence on subjective well-being among IDPs [R = .151, R2 = .023, F(1, 397) = 9.214, p < .05]. Furthermore, trauma-resilience and hope jointly exerted a significant influence on subjective well-being among IDPs in Benue State [R = .401, R2 = .161, F(2, 398) = 38.029, p < .05]. It was concluded that trauma-resilience and hope are significant independent and joint predictors of subjective well-being among IDPs in Benue State. The study therefore recommends that clinical psychologists should provide psycho-educational programs to enhance resilience and hope among IDPs, while government and NGOs should establish trauma counseling and empowerment initiatives to promote their subjective well-being. Additionally, policymakers should integrate psychological support services into humanitarian interventions, and communities should strengthen social support systems to foster recovery and well-being among displaced persons.

Keywords

Trauma-ResilienceHopeSubjective Well-BeingInternally Displaced PersonsPsychological SupportBenue State.

References

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