Abstract

This research work investigated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), social support and psychological resilience as predictors of coping among internally displaced persons. The research design adopted was a sectional survey of displayed persons in IDP camps. This study was conducted in the IDP Camps in Jos South LGA of Plateau State and Sabon-Gari LGA of Kaduna State. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample 600 participants consisting of 245 males and 355 females. A structured questionnaire was used. The hypotheses were tested using multiple regression at p<.05.Results showed that psychological factor (PTSD, social support and resilience) significantly predicted coping styles of the internally displaced persons in a IDP camp. [R=.597, R2 = .357, F(4,595) = 82.434; P <.01]. PTSD avoidance subscale (β=.125; t=2.596; P<.05); social support (β=.283; t=7.114;P<.05) independently predicted coping among internally displaced persons and resilience (β=.358; t=9.347;P<.05) . Socio-demographic factors (gender, age, family type, marital status, education, religion and occupation) predicted coping styles [R=.240, R2 = .058, F(7,592) = 5.163; P <.01];family type (β=-.178; t=-4.108;P<.05); religion (β=.103; t=2.532;P<.05) occupation (β=-.107; t=-2.331;P<.05) independently influenced coping styles. Psychological intervention that should be directed towards PTSD management using psycho-educational strategies, CBT and other cognitive therapies and social support in the form of provision of social amenities at the IDP camps across the country so as to have a sense of belonging.