Project – Social Support and Psychological Well-Being among Internally Displaced Persons in Northeast Nigeria

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Internal displacement has emerged as one of the most significant humanitarian and social challenges of the twenty-first century. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), millions of people around the world are forced to flee their homes annually due to armed conflicts, violence, natural disasters, and human rights violations. Unlike refugees who cross international borders, internally displaced persons (IDPs) remain within their country of origin and often face severe socio-economic and psychological difficulties arising from displacement experiences.

Nigeria has experienced a substantial increase in internal displacement over the past decade, particularly in the northeastern region comprising Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. The insurgency perpetrated by the extremist group Boko Haram since 2009 has resulted in widespread destruction of communities, loss of lives, disruption of livelihoods, and forced migration of millions of people. The humanitarian crisis created by the insurgency has generated one of Africa’s largest populations of internally displaced persons. Reports from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria indicate that millions of Nigerians have been displaced by conflict and insecurity in the Northeast, with many residing in formal camps, informal settlements, or host communities.

Internal displacement is not merely a physical relocation from one place to another; it is a traumatic experience that affects multiple dimensions of human life. Displacement often involves exposure to violence, loss of loved ones, destruction of property, disruption of social networks, uncertainty about the future, and prolonged economic hardship. These experiences significantly affect the psychological well-being of displaced populations and increase their vulnerability to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological distress, and reduced life satisfaction (Porter & Haslam, 2005).

Psychological well-being refers to a positive state of mental functioning characterized by self-acceptance, environmental mastery, positive relationships with others, autonomy, purpose in life, and personal growth (Ryff, 1989). Psychological well-being extends beyond the absence of mental illness and encompasses individuals’ ability to function effectively, maintain emotional stability, and cope successfully with life’s challenges. For internally displaced persons, psychological well-being is often threatened by traumatic experiences before, during, and after displacement.

Research has consistently demonstrated that forced displacement is associated with increased psychological distress and poor mental health outcomes. Studies among displaced populations have reported elevated levels of depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, emotional exhaustion, and social isolation (Steel et al., 2009). The experiences of violence, insecurity, family separation, and loss frequently undermine individuals’ ability to maintain psychological stability and resilience. Consequently, promoting psychological well-being among internally displaced populations has become an important concern for humanitarian organizations, governments, and mental health professionals.

One of the most important factors influencing psychological well-being among vulnerable populations is social support. Social support refers to the emotional, informational, instrumental, and companionship assistance individuals receive from family members, friends, community members, social networks, and institutions (Cohen & Wills, 1985). Social support serves as a protective factor against stress by providing individuals with emotional comfort, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging. The Social Support Buffering Hypothesis suggests that social support can reduce the negative effects of stressful experiences and enhance psychological adjustment during periods of adversity (Cohen & Wills, 1985).

Among internally displaced persons, social support plays a particularly important role because displacement often disrupts established social relationships and community structures. Families may become separated, social networks may be weakened, and traditional support systems may be destroyed. In such circumstances, support from relatives, friends, humanitarian organizations, religious groups, and host communities becomes essential for coping with the challenges of displacement. Adequate social support can foster resilience, enhance psychological adjustment, and promote overall well-being among displaced persons.

In Northeast Nigeria, many IDPs face difficult living conditions characterized by overcrowded camps, inadequate healthcare services, food insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and continued exposure to insecurity. These challenges may contribute to poor psychological outcomes and reduced quality of life. However, evidence suggests that individuals who receive strong social support tend to demonstrate better mental health outcomes, greater resilience, and improved psychological functioning despite exposure to traumatic experiences (Ozbay et al., 2007).

Furthermore, social support among IDPs may originate from various sources, including family members, peers, community leaders, religious organizations, humanitarian agencies, and government institutions. Each source may contribute differently to psychological well-being. Emotional support provides empathy and reassurance, instrumental support offers practical assistance, informational support provides guidance and advice, while companionship support promotes social inclusion and connectedness. Understanding the relative importance of these forms of support is essential for designing effective psychosocial interventions.

Although considerable attention has been devoted to humanitarian assistance and security challenges in Northeast Nigeria, less emphasis has been placed on understanding the psychosocial experiences of internally displaced persons. Existing interventions often prioritize food, shelter, healthcare, and security needs, while psychological well-being receives comparatively limited attention. Yet, the long-term recovery and reintegration of displaced populations depend not only on meeting material needs but also on addressing psychological and emotional challenges associated with displacement.

Given the scale of internal displacement in Northeast Nigeria and the growing recognition of mental health as a critical component of humanitarian response, there is a need to examine the relationship between social support and psychological well-being among internally displaced persons. Understanding how social support contributes to psychological adjustment will provide valuable insights for policymakers, humanitarian organizations, mental health professionals, and community leaders working to improve the lives of displaced populations.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The insurgency in Northeast Nigeria has resulted in one of the largest internal displacement crises in Africa. Millions of individuals have been forced to leave their homes, communities, and sources of livelihood due to violence, insecurity, and destruction caused by armed conflict. While humanitarian efforts have focused primarily on providing food, shelter, healthcare, and security, the psychological consequences of displacement remain a major concern.

Internally displaced persons often experience multiple traumatic events, including exposure to violence, loss of family members, destruction of property, forced migration, and prolonged uncertainty regarding their future. These experiences frequently contribute to psychological distress, anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, hopelessness, and reduced psychological well-being. The persistent challenges associated with displacement, such as poverty, unemployment, overcrowding, social exclusion, and limited access to essential services, may further worsen mental health outcomes among displaced populations.

In addition, displacement disrupts traditional family structures and social networks that ordinarily provide emotional and practical support. Many IDPs lose access to community relationships, cultural support systems, and social resources that previously helped them cope with stressful situations. The breakdown of these support systems may increase vulnerability to psychological problems and hinder successful adaptation to displacement conditions.

Despite the recognized importance of social support in promoting mental health and resilience, there is limited empirical evidence regarding its role in enhancing psychological well-being among internally displaced persons in Northeast Nigeria. Existing studies have largely concentrated on humanitarian needs assessments, conflict dynamics, security concerns, and economic challenges, with relatively little attention given to psychosocial factors influencing mental health outcomes among displaced populations.

Furthermore, although humanitarian agencies and government institutions provide various forms of assistance to IDPs, it remains unclear whether the available social support is sufficient to mitigate the psychological effects of displacement. Questions remain regarding the extent to which emotional, informational, instrumental, and social support contribute to psychological well-being among displaced persons.

The absence of adequate knowledge in this area limits the ability of policymakers, humanitarian organizations, psychologists, counselors, and social workers to design evidence-based interventions aimed at improving the mental health and overall well-being of internally displaced persons. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the relationship between social support and psychological well-being among internally displaced persons in Northeast Nigeria. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining how different forms of social support influence the psychological well-being of displaced populations in the region.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the relationship between social support and psychological well-being among internally displaced persons in Northeast Nigeria.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Determine the level of social support available to internally displaced persons in Northeast Nigeria.
2. Examine the level of psychological well-being among internally displaced persons.
3. Assess the relationship between social support and psychological well-being among internally displaced persons.
4. Identify the major sources of social support available to internally displaced persons.
5. Examine the influence of different forms of social support on psychological well-being among internally displaced persons.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the level of social support available to internally displaced persons in Northeast Nigeria?
2. What is the level of psychological well-being among internally displaced persons?
3. What relationship exists between social support and psychological well-being among internally displaced persons?
4. What are the major sources of social support available to internally displaced persons?
5. How do different forms of social support influence psychological well-being among internally displaced persons?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypothesis will be tested at the 0.05 level of significance:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between social support and psychological well-being among internally displaced persons in Northeast Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study will be beneficial to humanitarian organizations by providing evidence on the importance of social support in promoting mental health among displaced populations.

The findings will assist government agencies in developing policies and programmes aimed at improving psychosocial services for internally displaced persons.

Mental health professionals, psychologists, counselors, and social workers will benefit from the study by gaining a deeper understanding of factors that contribute to psychological well-being among IDPs.

The study will also contribute to the existing literature on displacement, social support, resilience, and psychological well-being in conflict-affected settings.

Finally, future researchers will find the study useful as a reference material for further investigations into mental health and displacement-related issues.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on internally displaced persons residing in selected camps and host communities in Northeast Nigeria. The study specifically examines the relationship between social support and psychological well-being, including emotional well-being, life satisfaction, resilience, and psychological adjustment among displaced persons.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Social Support: Emotional, informational, instrumental, and companionship assistance received from family members, friends, communities, organizations, and institutions.

Psychological Well-Being: A positive state of mental functioning characterized by emotional stability, life satisfaction, self-acceptance, positive relationships, and effective coping abilities.

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): Individuals who have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict, violence, disasters, or other crises but remain within the borders of their country.

Northeast Nigeria: The geopolitical region comprising Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba States, with particular emphasis on conflict-affected areas.

Resilience: The ability to adapt successfully and recover from adversity, stress, trauma, or difficult life experiences.

Project – Social Support and Psychological Well-Being among Internally Displaced Persons in Northeast Nigeria