Zuhumben Beatrice Paul
Department of Educational Foundation, Faculty of Education University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria

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Impact of Social Support on the Standard of Living and Psychological Well-Being of Women Exposed to Violent Conflicts Zuhumben Beatrice Paul; Joy Ojoma Nyam
Bisma The Journal of Counseling Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): April
Publisher : Department of Guidance and Counseling, FIP, Undiksha

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.23887/bisma.v10i1.112970

Abstract

Women in Plateau State, Nigeria, have experienced prolonged exposure to conflict caused by the Boko Haram insurgency, Fulani herder attacks, and ethno-religious violence, resulting in displacement, trauma, and economic vulnerability. Although humanitarian assistance has been provided, evidence-based psychosocial interventions remain limited. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of social support interventions on psychological well-being and standard of living among conflict-affected women in Plateau State Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. A pretest-posttest control group design was employed with 80 women (aged 18-60 years) randomly assigned to two groups: social support intervention (n=40) and control (n=40). The intervention was delivered over 12 weeks. Psychological well-being was measured using the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale, and standard of living was assessed using a validated Standard of Living Index. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and independent t-tests. The social support intervention produced significant improvements compared to controls. The social support group demonstrated significant improvements in psychological well-being (F=52.18, p<0.001, eta-squared=0.42) and moderate gains in standard of living (F=28.45, p<0.001, eta-squared=0.28). Social support strongly influences psychological well-being, particularly autonomy, environmental mastery, and positive relationships with others. This intervention is highly effective in improving psychological well-being and moderately effective in enhancing the living standards of conflict-affected women. These findings support the integration of structured social support programs into humanitarian responses in Nigeria and similar post-conflict settings.