Impact of Social Support in Reducing Anxiety and Depression of Women Exposed to Violent Conflicts in Plateau State, Nigeria Cover Image

Impact of Social Support in Reducing Anxiety and Depression of Women Exposed to Violent Conflicts in Plateau State, Nigeria
Impact of Social Support in Reducing Anxiety and Depression of Women Exposed to Violent Conflicts in Plateau State, Nigeria

Author(s): Beatrice Zuhumben, Gafar Isiaka
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Geography, Regional studies
Published by: Fakultet bezbednosti - Univerzitet u Beogradu
Keywords: anxiety; depression; social support; violent conflicts; women

Summary/Abstract: This study investigated the impact of social support in reducing anxiety and depression among women exposed to violent conflicts in Plateau State, Nigeria. Using a quasi-experimental design, 100 women in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps were selected through a multi-stage sampling process and assigned to either a treatment group receiving social support or a control group. The Depression and Anxiety Scale (DASS), with a reliability index of 0.90, was used to assess participants' psychological status. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) revealed significant differences in post-test mean scores on anxiety and depression levels between the treatment and control groups. The finding indicates that social support was effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of prioritizing social support as a key component of interventions to promote the psychological well-being of women affected by conflict. The study's results underscore the need for a comprehensive approach that incorporates social support, mental health services, and community-based initiatives to support the mental health and well-being of women exposed to violent conflicts.

  • Issue Year: 2/2026
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 71-80
  • Page Count: 194
  • Language: English
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