PERSONAL FACTORS AS PREDICTORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS

Abstract

Displacement as a result of conflict or insurgency creates a permanent scar on the survivor with physical, psychological and social sequels; however personal factors play a significant role. Therefore, this study investigated personal factors as predictors of psychological distress among internally displaced persons in Maiduguri, Nigeria. In this cross-sectional study of survey type, the multi-stage sampling techniques were employed, and cluster sampling techniques were used to select two Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camps. Two hundred and one IDPs residing in the camps were selected using purposive sampling techniques. Their age ranged between 18 and 65 years (M = 37.2; SD = 1.6). The results of Multiple Regression analysis showed that personality traits and a demographic factor (sex) jointly predicted psychological distress among IDPs. The variables jointly accounted for 22% variation R² = .215 on psychological distress.  Regarding the individual contribution, neuroticism ß = .166; t = 2.34; p < .05, conscientiousness ß = -.233; t = -3.36; p < .05, openness to experience ß = -.169; t = -2.45; p < .05 and sex ß = -.352; t = 5.17; p < .05 made a significant prediction on IDPs psychological disturbances. The findings of this study revealed that the personal characteristics of an individual had a predictive influence on psychological distress among IDPs in Maiduguri, Nigeria.