Comparative Assessment of Psychological Outcomes between Students in Conflict-Affected and Secure Regions in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study carried out an Assessment of psychological outcomes between students in conflict-affected and secure regions in Delta State, Nigeria. The investigation was guided by two objectives with corresponding research questions and hypotheses. Correlational research design was adopted for the study, population of the study consists of 28,065 Secondary School Students in Delta State using a sample size of 394 students from conflict-affected and secure regions of Delta State, respectively. However, the sample size was arrived at using Taro Yamane formula for sample size calculation. The cluster sampling technique was used to select the students. A researcher-designed questionnaire “Psychological Outcome Questionnaire (POQ)” was used to elicit data for the study. The instrument was validated by experts in Measurement and Evaluation reviewed the questionnaire to ensure its validity. The questionnaires showed good internal consistency with a reliability coefficient of 0.835, determined by Cronbach’s Alpha test. The regression analysis was used to answer and test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed a significant relationship between the prevalence of anxiety and depression among students in conflict-affected regions and those in secured regions in Delta State, and there is a significant relationship between the severity of PTSD and emotional distress among students in conflict-affected and secured regions in Delta State. The two recommendations based on the above two findings are that the Delta State government should prioritize mental health support services in conflict-affected regions and implement targeted interventions to address the psychological issues faced by students in these areas. Also, to manage the severity of the psychological issues, the government should engage with local community leaders and organizations to provide holistic support to students in conflict-affected regions, including counselling, trauma-informed care, and psychosocial support.