Psycho-Trauma And Social Isolation As Predictors Of Symptomatic Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Among Victims Of Ethno-religious Conflict In Jos-South Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria
Emmanuel Japheth Eze, Faith Ogene, Benita Adamu Gwong
Keywords: Psycho-trauma, social isolation, PTSD, ethno-religious conflict, Jos-South
Abstract
This study examines psycho-trauma and social isolation as predictors of
symptomatic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among victims of
ethno-religious conflict in Jos-South Local Government Area, Plateau
State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The research assessed psycho-trauma and social isolation as independent variables and
symptomatic PTSD as the dependent variable. A total of two hundred and
eighty adults participated in this study, including males (N=137) and females(N=143), between the ages of 18 and 65 years, who were selected
from communities affected by conflict, such as Bukuru, Gyel, Vwang, Du,
Zawan, Kuru, Vom, and Chugwi, to ensure diverse representation. Data
were collected using three standardized instruments: the Psycho-Trauma Scale adapted from the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ), the UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3 Short Form (UCLA-LS3-SF10), and the
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Multiple linear regression analysis
was used to test three hypotheses. Results showed that psycho-trauma was a significant predictor of symptoms of PTSD (β = .53, t = 12.69, p < .001). Similarly, social isolation significantly predicted symptomatic PTSD (β = .41, t = 9.82, p < .001). Results further revealed that psycho-trauma and social isolation jointly and significantly predicted symptomatic PTSD, accounting for approximately 70% of the variance in PTSD symptoms (R² = .699, F(2, 277) = 321.675, p < .001). The study recommends that
relevant authorities and mental health practitioners develop trauma-focused intervention programmes and community-based psychosocial
support systems that address both trauma exposure and social disconnection among ethno-religious conflict survivors in Nigeria.
Author Biography
Emmanuel Japheth Eze
Department of Psychology, University of Jos, Nigeria
Faith Ogene
Department of Public Health, University of California, San Diego, USA
Benita Adamu Gwong
Department of Physical and Health Education, University of Jos, Nigeria