Endurance A V A H Zacchaeus | NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI, NASARAWA STATE-NIGERIA (original) (raw)
Papers by Endurance A V A H Zacchaeus
Journal of Religion and Health, 2024
We examined whether the salutogenic nature of resilience is the pathway of associa- tion, as wel... more We examined whether the salutogenic nature of resilience is the pathway of associa-
tion, as well as a moderating factor, between spirituality and vicarious posttraumatic
growth (VPTG). Two hundred Nigerian orthopedic nurses completed the Resilience
Scale (RS-14), Spiritual Involvement and Belief Scale-Revised (SIBS-R), and Post-
traumatic Growth Inventory-Short Form (PTGI-SF). We found that greater spiritu-
ality and resilience were directly associated with high VPTG. Resilience helped to
explain (mediated) the relationship between spirituality and VPT such that spiritu-
ality was linked to VPTG by virtue of high resilience. Moderation analysis indi-
cated that resilience was most robustly associated with increased VPTG for nurses
with high spirituality compared to those with moderate and low levels of spirituality.
Findings may be relevant in integrative/complementary approaches to trauma work.
Majority of the earlier clinicians and researchers focused their work with trauma survivors on ne... more Majority of the earlier clinicians and researchers focused their work with trauma survivors on negative psychological outcomes such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTDS). However, following the emergence of positive psychology, and PostTraumatic Growth (PTG) construct over the last two decades, there has been a paradigm shift in the field of trauma research. More attention is now being focused on positive personal changes or transformations (ie. post-traumatic growth), instead of negative consequences (eg. post-traumatic stress Disorder) experienced by victims of trauma as a result of exposure to traumatic events. Despite the important implications of this new perspective for research and clinical interventions, it seems relatively unknown in Nigeria. This paper, therefore, explores the construct of post-traumatic growth with a view to providing an impetus for systematic research, and understanding of the phenomenon in the Nigerian context.
Nigerian Journal of Psychological Research, 2021
government implemented for the pandemic included travel restrictions, lockdown, social distancing... more government implemented for the pandemic included travel restrictions, lockdown, social distancing enforcement, and face masks in public spaces. To further help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, there were additional restrictions on crowded events and large gatherings (e.g., Church/Mosque services, marriage ceremonies, funerals, etc.). Nigerians were encouraged to stay at home and socially isolate themselves to prevent being infected or infecting others. With time, it became apparent that the above strategies instituted by the Nigerian government and its principal health agency, the NCDC, to promote COVID-19 prevention behaviors among Nigerians were determined by their level of awareness and knowledge regarding the Covid-19 outbreak. The Psychological Aspect of the Pandemic The contributions to this special issue illuminate the different psychological reactions at individual and government levels across select states in the Northern, Southern, Western, and Eastern parts of Nigeria. The authors revealed that at the onset, once it was established in Wuhan, China, and long before the WHO classified COVID-19 as a global pandemic, many Nigerians considered Covid-19 a disease specific to foreign countries or disease of affluence. Due to this, many Nigerians continued with their daily lifestyles and were hesitant to adopt preventive measures to curtail the outbreak, even when the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in Lagos, Nigeria, on February 20, 2020.
International Journal of Education and Psychology in the community , 2022
Majority of child deliveries in Nigeria take place at home with the assistance of Traditional Bir... more Majority of child deliveries in Nigeria take place at home with the assistance of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) who lack the required training and skills to safely manage the process. This has been linked with the increasing rate of maternal mortality. This study investigated the psychosocial factors associated with the use of TBAs among women of reproductive age in Amassoma community, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. A crosssectional design with 216 participants selected through simple random sampling technique was adopted. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher. Frequencies and percentages were calculated, whereas inferential statistics was conducted with the one-sample T-test to assess the level of TBA use and the factors associated with it. Results revealed high patronage of TBAs among the women (94.9%). Additionally, low cost (97.7%), ready availability (99.5%), and short waiting time (95.88%) were found to be the main reasons for women's choice of TBA services for child birth. Significant differences were also shown in participants' responses regarding low cost of TBA services (t=67.78, p<.05), ready availability (t=217.00, p<.05) and short waiting time (t=54.64, p<.05). However, the results revealed that cultural norms, religious belief and head of house (or husband's) decision were not among the main reasons for the use of TBAs during child delivery. Policy and theoretical relevance of the findings were discussed and recommendations made.
Current statistics show an alarming rise in the incidence of sexual violence and rape in Nigeria.... more Current statistics show an alarming rise in the incidence of sexual violence and rape in Nigeria. This, potentially, constitutes a major mental health challenge. Apart from physical health impacts, research has consistently shown a strong nexus between sexual violence and poor mental health including suicide among survivors. Nevertheless, in Nigeria, the response of individuals, government agencies and organisations to cases of sexual violence and rape has predominantly been medico-legal, while ignoring the psycho-social and mental health aftermaths. Therefore, rape survivors are left with unmet shortterm, intermediate and long-term mental health care needs. This paper reviews sexual violence, rape in particular being the most prevalent form of sexual violence in our communities with a view to enhancing understanding of the problem among the public and drawing attention of concerned authorities and critical stake-holders. It specifically addresses relevant concepts of sexual violenc...
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 2020
Current statistics show an alarming rise in the incidence of sexual violence and rape... more Current statistics show an alarming rise in the incidence of sexual violence and rape in Nigeria. This, potentially, constitutes a major mental health challenge. Apart from physical health impacts, research has consistently shown a strong nexus between sexual violence and poor mental health including suicide among survivors. Nevertheless, in Nigeria, the response of individuals, government agencies and organisations to cases of sexual violence and rape has predominantly been medico-legal, while ignoring the psycho-social and mental health aftermaths. Therefore, rape survivors are left with unmet shortterm, intermediate and long-term mental health care needs. This paper reviews sexual violence, rape in particular being the most prevalent form of sexual violence in our communities with a view to enhancing understanding of the problem among the public and drawing attention of concerned authorities and critical stake-holders. It specifically addresses relevant concepts of sexual violence including definition, prevalence, factors that may influence its occurrence as well as common mental health consequences and psychological interventions for survivors. The paper concludes with key recommendations aimed at addressing rape survivors' psychological support and mental healthcare needs as well as preventive strategies aimed at checking the menace in Bayelsa State, and Nigeria in general.
International Journal of Education and Psychology in the Community IJEPC , 2021
This study investigated the role of religious commitment and resilience as predictors of posttrau... more This study investigated the role of religious commitment and resilience as predictors of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in a Nigerian sample of trauma survivors. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey approach involving a sample of 519 male and female adult participants (m=47.94, SD=9.14) aged between 35-65 years recruited through convenience sampling. Three standard measures namely; Religious Commitment Inventory (RCI-1O), Resilience scale (RS-14) and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were used for data collection. Data analysis was conducted using multiple regression analysis and Pearson's r correlation statistical techniques. Results showed that religious commitment significantly predicted PTG (β=.59, t(519)=16.73, p<.001) as well as Resilience (β=.34, t(519)=7.27, p<.001). Furthermore, religious commitment was shown to correlate positively with resilience (r=.66, p<.001). Clinical implications of these findings were discussed.
Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma
Substantial evidence indicates that adolescents and young adults have a disproportionately high i... more Substantial evidence indicates that adolescents and young adults have a disproportionately high incidence of most forms of violence, including suicide. Suicidality often includes suicidal ideation. The present study examined the relationship between bullying and suicidal ideation, and further tested whether social support moderates the association between the dimensions of bullying (verbal bullying, physical bullying, and bullying victimization) and suicidal ideation among adolescent secondary school students. A cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. Participants were 394 students (249 boys, 145 girls) drawn from two secondary schools in Nsukka semi-urban area, in southeast Nigeria. Participants completed the Illinois Bully Scale, the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Hayes’regression-based PROCESS macro was used to analyze the data. Verbal bullying, physical bullying, and victimization were independently positively associated with suicidal ideation. Social support was not independently significantly associated with suicidal ideation, but it moderated the relationship between victimization and suicidal ideation. The positive relationship between victimization and suicidal ideation was strongest for adolescents who had low social support, compared to those who had moderate or high social support. This finding is consistent with the buffering hypothesis of social support, suggesting that supportive relationships for victims can mitigate suicidal ideation.
Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma
Substantial evidence indicates that adolescents and young adults have a disproportionately high i... more Substantial evidence indicates that adolescents and young adults have a disproportionately high incidence of most forms of violence, including suicide. Suicidality often includes suicidal ideation. The present study examined the relationship between bullying and suicidal ideation, and further tested whether social support moderates the association between the dimensions of bullying (verbal bullying, physical bullying, and bullying victimization) and suicidal ideation among adolescent secondary school students. A cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. Participants were 394 students (249 boys, 145 girls) drawn from two secondary schools in Nsukka semi-urban area, in southeast Nigeria. Participants completed the Illinois Bully Scale, the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Hayes’regression-based PROCESS macro was used to analyze the data. Verbal bullying, physical bullying, and victimization were independently positively associated with suicidal ideation. Social support was not independently significantly associated with suicidal ideation, but it moderated the relationship between victimization and suicidal ideation. The positive relationship between victimization and suicidal ideation was strongest for adolescents who had low social support, compared to those who had moderate or high social support. This finding is consistent with the buffering hypothesis of social support, suggesting that supportive relationships for victims can mitigate suicidal ideation.
International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 2020
It is widely acknowledged that trauma exposure is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (... more It is widely acknowledged that trauma exposure is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but not much is understood about the role of social support and self-efficacy in influencing survivors' experience of PTSD symptoms. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the association between social support, self-efficacy, and PTSD symptoms among trauma survivors. Two hundred and eighty-one (281) adults comprising 131(46.6%) males and 150 (53.4%) females within the age of 18 to 64 years (M=29.62, SD=7.05), all inhabitants of communities in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria volunteered to participate. A cross-sectional design was adopted and measures used include the Social Support Scale (SPS), Self-Efficacy Scale (SES), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C).Multiple regression analysis of data indicated a positive relationship between social support and PTSD symptoms, and a negative association of self-efficacy with PTSD symptoms. High level of social support was shown to increase PTSD symptom severity, whereas high self-efficacy reduced PTSD symptoms in trauma survivors. Clinical implication of the findings for mental health professionals in the Nigerian context in particular, and other relevant contexts globally was discussed.
International Journal of Science and Research, 2020
Majority of the earlier clinicians and researchers focused their work with trauma survivors on ne... more Majority of the earlier clinicians and researchers focused their work with trauma survivors on negative psychological outcomes such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTDS). However, following the emergence of positive psychology, and Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) construct over the last two decades, there has been a paradigm shift in the field of trauma research. More attention is now being focused on positive personal changes or transformations (ie. post-traumatic growth), instead of negative consequences (eg. post-traumatic stress Disorder) experienced by victims of trauma as a result of exposure to traumatic events. Despite the important implications of this new perspective for research and clinical interventions, it seems relatively unknown in Nigeria. This paper, therefore, explores the construct of post-traumatic growth with a view to providing an impetus for systematic research, and understanding of the phenomenon in the Nigerian context.
University of Nigeria Institutional repository, 2016
Exposure to intense psychological trauma is associated with significant emotional burden and stre... more Exposure to intense psychological trauma is associated with significant emotional burden and stress. Trauma victims suffer from myriads of adverse psychological consequences, particularly Post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This study examined resilience, social support and self-efficacy as predictors of PTSD symptoms among adult trauma victims. A cross-sectional design was adopted in the study. Two hundred and eighty-one (281) adults consisting of 131(46.6%) males and 150 (53.4%) females with age range of 18 to 64 years (M=29.62, SD=7.05) participated in the study. Samples were drawn from Odi and Biseni Communities in Bayelsa State and Okobe Community in Rivers State of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Resilience Scale (RS-14), Social Support Scale (SPS), Self-Efficacy Scale (SES) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) were used to collect data from the participants. Multiple regression analysis indicated no significant relationship between resilience and PTSD symptoms, whereas significant relationship was shown between social support and PTSD symptoms, as well as between self-efficacy and PTSD symptoms. This implies that resilience does not significantly predict PTSD symptoms, whereas social support and self-efficacy play significant predictive roles in the occurrence of PTSD symptoms. It is therefore recommended that elements of social support and self-efficacy should be considered and integrated into psychological intervention strategies for victims of trauma.
Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 2019
Substantial evidence indicates that adolescents and young adults have a disproportionately high i... more Substantial evidence indicates that adolescents and young adults have a disproportionately high incidence of most forms of violence, including suicide. Suicidality often includes suicidal ideation. The present study examined the relationship between bullying and suicidal ideation, and further tested whether social support moderates the association between the dimensions of bullying (verbal bullying, physical bullying, and bullying victimization) and suicidal ideation among adolescent secondary school students. A cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. Participants were 394 students (249 boys, 145 girls) drawn from two secondary schools in Nsukka semi-urban area, in southeast Nigeria. Participants completed the Illinois Bully Scale, the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Hayes’regression-based PROCESS macro was used to analyze the data. Verbal bullying, physical bullying, and victimization were independently positively associated with suicidal ideation. Social support was not independently significantly associated with suicidal ideation, but it moderated the relationship between victimization and suicidal ideation. The positive relationship between victimization and suicidal ideation was strongest for adolescents who had low social support, compared to those who had moderate or high social support. This finding is consistent with the buffering hypothesis of social support, suggesting that supportive relationships for victims can mitigate suicidal ideation.
Social Indicators Research, 2014
Journal of Religion and Health, 2024
We examined whether the salutogenic nature of resilience is the pathway of associa- tion, as wel... more We examined whether the salutogenic nature of resilience is the pathway of associa-
tion, as well as a moderating factor, between spirituality and vicarious posttraumatic
growth (VPTG). Two hundred Nigerian orthopedic nurses completed the Resilience
Scale (RS-14), Spiritual Involvement and Belief Scale-Revised (SIBS-R), and Post-
traumatic Growth Inventory-Short Form (PTGI-SF). We found that greater spiritu-
ality and resilience were directly associated with high VPTG. Resilience helped to
explain (mediated) the relationship between spirituality and VPT such that spiritu-
ality was linked to VPTG by virtue of high resilience. Moderation analysis indi-
cated that resilience was most robustly associated with increased VPTG for nurses
with high spirituality compared to those with moderate and low levels of spirituality.
Findings may be relevant in integrative/complementary approaches to trauma work.
Majority of the earlier clinicians and researchers focused their work with trauma survivors on ne... more Majority of the earlier clinicians and researchers focused their work with trauma survivors on negative psychological outcomes such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTDS). However, following the emergence of positive psychology, and PostTraumatic Growth (PTG) construct over the last two decades, there has been a paradigm shift in the field of trauma research. More attention is now being focused on positive personal changes or transformations (ie. post-traumatic growth), instead of negative consequences (eg. post-traumatic stress Disorder) experienced by victims of trauma as a result of exposure to traumatic events. Despite the important implications of this new perspective for research and clinical interventions, it seems relatively unknown in Nigeria. This paper, therefore, explores the construct of post-traumatic growth with a view to providing an impetus for systematic research, and understanding of the phenomenon in the Nigerian context.
Nigerian Journal of Psychological Research, 2021
government implemented for the pandemic included travel restrictions, lockdown, social distancing... more government implemented for the pandemic included travel restrictions, lockdown, social distancing enforcement, and face masks in public spaces. To further help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, there were additional restrictions on crowded events and large gatherings (e.g., Church/Mosque services, marriage ceremonies, funerals, etc.). Nigerians were encouraged to stay at home and socially isolate themselves to prevent being infected or infecting others. With time, it became apparent that the above strategies instituted by the Nigerian government and its principal health agency, the NCDC, to promote COVID-19 prevention behaviors among Nigerians were determined by their level of awareness and knowledge regarding the Covid-19 outbreak. The Psychological Aspect of the Pandemic The contributions to this special issue illuminate the different psychological reactions at individual and government levels across select states in the Northern, Southern, Western, and Eastern parts of Nigeria. The authors revealed that at the onset, once it was established in Wuhan, China, and long before the WHO classified COVID-19 as a global pandemic, many Nigerians considered Covid-19 a disease specific to foreign countries or disease of affluence. Due to this, many Nigerians continued with their daily lifestyles and were hesitant to adopt preventive measures to curtail the outbreak, even when the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in Lagos, Nigeria, on February 20, 2020.
International Journal of Education and Psychology in the community , 2022
Majority of child deliveries in Nigeria take place at home with the assistance of Traditional Bir... more Majority of child deliveries in Nigeria take place at home with the assistance of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) who lack the required training and skills to safely manage the process. This has been linked with the increasing rate of maternal mortality. This study investigated the psychosocial factors associated with the use of TBAs among women of reproductive age in Amassoma community, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. A crosssectional design with 216 participants selected through simple random sampling technique was adopted. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher. Frequencies and percentages were calculated, whereas inferential statistics was conducted with the one-sample T-test to assess the level of TBA use and the factors associated with it. Results revealed high patronage of TBAs among the women (94.9%). Additionally, low cost (97.7%), ready availability (99.5%), and short waiting time (95.88%) were found to be the main reasons for women's choice of TBA services for child birth. Significant differences were also shown in participants' responses regarding low cost of TBA services (t=67.78, p<.05), ready availability (t=217.00, p<.05) and short waiting time (t=54.64, p<.05). However, the results revealed that cultural norms, religious belief and head of house (or husband's) decision were not among the main reasons for the use of TBAs during child delivery. Policy and theoretical relevance of the findings were discussed and recommendations made.
Current statistics show an alarming rise in the incidence of sexual violence and rape in Nigeria.... more Current statistics show an alarming rise in the incidence of sexual violence and rape in Nigeria. This, potentially, constitutes a major mental health challenge. Apart from physical health impacts, research has consistently shown a strong nexus between sexual violence and poor mental health including suicide among survivors. Nevertheless, in Nigeria, the response of individuals, government agencies and organisations to cases of sexual violence and rape has predominantly been medico-legal, while ignoring the psycho-social and mental health aftermaths. Therefore, rape survivors are left with unmet shortterm, intermediate and long-term mental health care needs. This paper reviews sexual violence, rape in particular being the most prevalent form of sexual violence in our communities with a view to enhancing understanding of the problem among the public and drawing attention of concerned authorities and critical stake-holders. It specifically addresses relevant concepts of sexual violenc...
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 2020
Current statistics show an alarming rise in the incidence of sexual violence and rape... more Current statistics show an alarming rise in the incidence of sexual violence and rape in Nigeria. This, potentially, constitutes a major mental health challenge. Apart from physical health impacts, research has consistently shown a strong nexus between sexual violence and poor mental health including suicide among survivors. Nevertheless, in Nigeria, the response of individuals, government agencies and organisations to cases of sexual violence and rape has predominantly been medico-legal, while ignoring the psycho-social and mental health aftermaths. Therefore, rape survivors are left with unmet shortterm, intermediate and long-term mental health care needs. This paper reviews sexual violence, rape in particular being the most prevalent form of sexual violence in our communities with a view to enhancing understanding of the problem among the public and drawing attention of concerned authorities and critical stake-holders. It specifically addresses relevant concepts of sexual violence including definition, prevalence, factors that may influence its occurrence as well as common mental health consequences and psychological interventions for survivors. The paper concludes with key recommendations aimed at addressing rape survivors' psychological support and mental healthcare needs as well as preventive strategies aimed at checking the menace in Bayelsa State, and Nigeria in general.
International Journal of Education and Psychology in the Community IJEPC , 2021
This study investigated the role of religious commitment and resilience as predictors of posttrau... more This study investigated the role of religious commitment and resilience as predictors of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in a Nigerian sample of trauma survivors. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey approach involving a sample of 519 male and female adult participants (m=47.94, SD=9.14) aged between 35-65 years recruited through convenience sampling. Three standard measures namely; Religious Commitment Inventory (RCI-1O), Resilience scale (RS-14) and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were used for data collection. Data analysis was conducted using multiple regression analysis and Pearson's r correlation statistical techniques. Results showed that religious commitment significantly predicted PTG (β=.59, t(519)=16.73, p<.001) as well as Resilience (β=.34, t(519)=7.27, p<.001). Furthermore, religious commitment was shown to correlate positively with resilience (r=.66, p<.001). Clinical implications of these findings were discussed.
Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma
Substantial evidence indicates that adolescents and young adults have a disproportionately high i... more Substantial evidence indicates that adolescents and young adults have a disproportionately high incidence of most forms of violence, including suicide. Suicidality often includes suicidal ideation. The present study examined the relationship between bullying and suicidal ideation, and further tested whether social support moderates the association between the dimensions of bullying (verbal bullying, physical bullying, and bullying victimization) and suicidal ideation among adolescent secondary school students. A cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. Participants were 394 students (249 boys, 145 girls) drawn from two secondary schools in Nsukka semi-urban area, in southeast Nigeria. Participants completed the Illinois Bully Scale, the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Hayes’regression-based PROCESS macro was used to analyze the data. Verbal bullying, physical bullying, and victimization were independently positively associated with suicidal ideation. Social support was not independently significantly associated with suicidal ideation, but it moderated the relationship between victimization and suicidal ideation. The positive relationship between victimization and suicidal ideation was strongest for adolescents who had low social support, compared to those who had moderate or high social support. This finding is consistent with the buffering hypothesis of social support, suggesting that supportive relationships for victims can mitigate suicidal ideation.
Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma
Substantial evidence indicates that adolescents and young adults have a disproportionately high i... more Substantial evidence indicates that adolescents and young adults have a disproportionately high incidence of most forms of violence, including suicide. Suicidality often includes suicidal ideation. The present study examined the relationship between bullying and suicidal ideation, and further tested whether social support moderates the association between the dimensions of bullying (verbal bullying, physical bullying, and bullying victimization) and suicidal ideation among adolescent secondary school students. A cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. Participants were 394 students (249 boys, 145 girls) drawn from two secondary schools in Nsukka semi-urban area, in southeast Nigeria. Participants completed the Illinois Bully Scale, the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Hayes’regression-based PROCESS macro was used to analyze the data. Verbal bullying, physical bullying, and victimization were independently positively associated with suicidal ideation. Social support was not independently significantly associated with suicidal ideation, but it moderated the relationship between victimization and suicidal ideation. The positive relationship between victimization and suicidal ideation was strongest for adolescents who had low social support, compared to those who had moderate or high social support. This finding is consistent with the buffering hypothesis of social support, suggesting that supportive relationships for victims can mitigate suicidal ideation.
International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 2020
It is widely acknowledged that trauma exposure is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (... more It is widely acknowledged that trauma exposure is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but not much is understood about the role of social support and self-efficacy in influencing survivors' experience of PTSD symptoms. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the association between social support, self-efficacy, and PTSD symptoms among trauma survivors. Two hundred and eighty-one (281) adults comprising 131(46.6%) males and 150 (53.4%) females within the age of 18 to 64 years (M=29.62, SD=7.05), all inhabitants of communities in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria volunteered to participate. A cross-sectional design was adopted and measures used include the Social Support Scale (SPS), Self-Efficacy Scale (SES), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C).Multiple regression analysis of data indicated a positive relationship between social support and PTSD symptoms, and a negative association of self-efficacy with PTSD symptoms. High level of social support was shown to increase PTSD symptom severity, whereas high self-efficacy reduced PTSD symptoms in trauma survivors. Clinical implication of the findings for mental health professionals in the Nigerian context in particular, and other relevant contexts globally was discussed.
International Journal of Science and Research, 2020
Majority of the earlier clinicians and researchers focused their work with trauma survivors on ne... more Majority of the earlier clinicians and researchers focused their work with trauma survivors on negative psychological outcomes such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTDS). However, following the emergence of positive psychology, and Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) construct over the last two decades, there has been a paradigm shift in the field of trauma research. More attention is now being focused on positive personal changes or transformations (ie. post-traumatic growth), instead of negative consequences (eg. post-traumatic stress Disorder) experienced by victims of trauma as a result of exposure to traumatic events. Despite the important implications of this new perspective for research and clinical interventions, it seems relatively unknown in Nigeria. This paper, therefore, explores the construct of post-traumatic growth with a view to providing an impetus for systematic research, and understanding of the phenomenon in the Nigerian context.
University of Nigeria Institutional repository, 2016
Exposure to intense psychological trauma is associated with significant emotional burden and stre... more Exposure to intense psychological trauma is associated with significant emotional burden and stress. Trauma victims suffer from myriads of adverse psychological consequences, particularly Post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This study examined resilience, social support and self-efficacy as predictors of PTSD symptoms among adult trauma victims. A cross-sectional design was adopted in the study. Two hundred and eighty-one (281) adults consisting of 131(46.6%) males and 150 (53.4%) females with age range of 18 to 64 years (M=29.62, SD=7.05) participated in the study. Samples were drawn from Odi and Biseni Communities in Bayelsa State and Okobe Community in Rivers State of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Resilience Scale (RS-14), Social Support Scale (SPS), Self-Efficacy Scale (SES) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) were used to collect data from the participants. Multiple regression analysis indicated no significant relationship between resilience and PTSD symptoms, whereas significant relationship was shown between social support and PTSD symptoms, as well as between self-efficacy and PTSD symptoms. This implies that resilience does not significantly predict PTSD symptoms, whereas social support and self-efficacy play significant predictive roles in the occurrence of PTSD symptoms. It is therefore recommended that elements of social support and self-efficacy should be considered and integrated into psychological intervention strategies for victims of trauma.
Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 2019
Substantial evidence indicates that adolescents and young adults have a disproportionately high i... more Substantial evidence indicates that adolescents and young adults have a disproportionately high incidence of most forms of violence, including suicide. Suicidality often includes suicidal ideation. The present study examined the relationship between bullying and suicidal ideation, and further tested whether social support moderates the association between the dimensions of bullying (verbal bullying, physical bullying, and bullying victimization) and suicidal ideation among adolescent secondary school students. A cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. Participants were 394 students (249 boys, 145 girls) drawn from two secondary schools in Nsukka semi-urban area, in southeast Nigeria. Participants completed the Illinois Bully Scale, the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Hayes’regression-based PROCESS macro was used to analyze the data. Verbal bullying, physical bullying, and victimization were independently positively associated with suicidal ideation. Social support was not independently significantly associated with suicidal ideation, but it moderated the relationship between victimization and suicidal ideation. The positive relationship between victimization and suicidal ideation was strongest for adolescents who had low social support, compared to those who had moderate or high social support. This finding is consistent with the buffering hypothesis of social support, suggesting that supportive relationships for victims can mitigate suicidal ideation.
Social Indicators Research, 2014