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Stigma, social support, and trauma exposure as predictors of mental health among conflict-affected adolescents in Benue State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study examined the influence of trauma exposure, stigma, and perceived social support on mental health outcomes among conflict-affected adolescents in Benue State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 169 adolescents aged 12–19 years selected from seven conflict-affected local government areas. Standardized instruments (DASS-42, Stigma Scale, and ISEL-12) were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and multiple linear regression. Results showed that adolescents with first-degree trauma exposure reported significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than those with second-degree exposure. Stigma significantly predicted poorer mental health outcomes, while perceived social support, particularly belongingness and tangible support, was associated with reduced psychological distress. Jointly, stigma and social support accounted for a substantial proportion of variance in mental health outcomes. This study provides context-specific evidence from a conflict-affected region in Nigeria, highlighting the dual role of stigma as a risk factor and social support as a protective factor. Findings underscore the need for integrated psychosocial interventions focusing on stigma reduction and strengthening social support systems among conflict-affected adolescents.
Keywords: conflict-affected adolescents; Benue State Nigeria; DASS-42; mental health; perceived social support; stigma; trauma exposure
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.18860/psikoislamika.v23i1.40975
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