Empirical Appraisal of Mental Health Status of Some Displaced Boko Haram Adolescent Victims in Nigeria.

Ajai Olumide 74 PAGES (14438 WORDS) Psychology Project

Introduction

The concept of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has gained popularity in Nigeria in recent times, due primarily to the Boko-Haram insurgency predominantly isolated to the Northern part of the country. Oladeji (2015) stated that armed conflicts, always leads to a massive incursion of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

These refugees and IDPs are always affected by the psychosocial consequences of crisis and war.

Oladeji (2015)  further stated that  many victims of armed conflicts have suffered severe mental distress caused by the traumatic experiences of having witnessed or been subjected to gross violations of human rights abuses such as killings, torture, sexual violence, family separation and displacement from home. Victims of armed conflicts often suffer from depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders or other forms of mental disorders caused by their experiences. The long-term consequences of such traumatic event for children and adolescent can be particularly serious. Oladeji (2015) stated that severe mental anguish will sometimes affect an individual’s life and community long after the war or the disaster has ended, causing continuing instability.