THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CHALLENGES AFFECTING INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN OGUA CAMP EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study examines the psychological challenges affecting internally displaced persons and its implications in Ogua Camp Edo state. To this effect, this study identifies empirically three psychological challenges which are mental health, self-esteem, anxiety and depression emanating from being internally displaced. Three hundred (300) questionnaires were administered as suggested by Taro yamani formula. The questionnaires were coded using SPSS leading to the derivation of the descriptive statistics, mean score, standard deviation and the regression result. The findings of the study state that (i) internal displacement have significant impact on mental health of internally displaced persons (ii) internal displacement does not have significant impact on self-esteem of internally displaced persons (iii) internal displacement leads anxiety and depression among internally displaced persons. The study therefore recommends the need for practitioners to invest massively on the internally displaced persons as investment on internally displaced persons translates to buiding a nation that is free from crime. Also, this study recommends that the society be proactive to the needs and wants of the internally displaced persons as an encouragement for a better future. Finally, this study urges social work experts to continue to engage internally displaced persons in training and re-training programmes.