Title : The effects of Boko haram terrorism on adolescents and young adults `psychosocial adjustment in the Northeast of Nigeria
Abstract:
Children are a particularly vulnerable group and are extremely affected by Boko Haram terrorism in the northeast of Nigeria. While previous studies have looked at the effects of terrorism on children´s mental health, there is a lack of peer-reviewed studies on the effects of terrorism on adolescent`s psychosocial adjustment. The above remains the gap this study attempts to fill by focusing on Boko haram terrorism in the northeast of Nigeria.
A cross-sectional research design was adopted through a systematic sampling. A total of 391 children who were directly affected by Boko haram terrorism were surveyed. Majority (60.4%) were males and 39.6% females. Their age ranged from 11 – 23 years (M = 18.00, SD = 2.83).
Analyses reveal that 291 (74.42%) of the respondents reported severe traumatic exposure- a markedly increased percentage compared to prevalence rates in countries without conflict. The majority (70.4%) reported clinically significant symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD regularly co-occurred with mental health and behavioral symptoms: depression, anxiety, and aggression. Terrorism-induced distress had an adverse effect on psychosocial adjustment (R2= 0.364, F(6,385) p<.01). On top, children were restricted in their social life.
Boko Haram terrorism has a devastating impact on adolescents’ mental health; a majority presented clinically relevant symptoms of PTSD. The victimized respondents were affected in their psychosocial adjustment to daily life and their educational development. Their vulnerability increases the risk of becoming potential recruits for terrorists. Supporting the victims would reduce their suffering and decrease the likelihood of an ongoing cycle of violence.
Keywords: Boko haram terrorism, mental health, psycho-social adjustment, adolescents
