DEATH ANXIETY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AS PREDICTORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG STUDENTS AFFECTED BY THE FARMER–HERDER CRISIS IN YELEWATA COMMUNITY, GUMA LGA

Abstract

This study examined death anxiety and psychological distress as predictors of psychological well-being among students affected by the farmer–herder crisis in Yelewata Community, Guma LGA. It examined the relationship between death anxiety, psychological distress and psychological well-being of students as a result of farmer–herder crisis. The study adopted the Carol Ryff’s Theory of Psychological Well-being, The Terror Management Theory (TMT) and Leonard Irving Pearlin’s Psychological Distress Theory as its analytic framework. Using descriptive design, sample was drawn from all students in 5 settlements and farming locations all in Yelewata Community. Findings from the study reveal that death anxiety is highly prevalent among people affected by the farmer–herder crisis in Yelewata Community. The study also found that psychological distress is highly prevalent among respondents, as evidenced by persistent sadness, nervousness, hopelessness, restlessness, fatigue, and depressive symptoms. It was also found that despite high levels of death anxiety and psychological distress, some aspects of psychological well-being such as self-acceptance, life satisfaction, sense of purpose, and personal growth remain relatively positive among respondents. The study amongst others recommended that government and non-governmental organization (NGOs) should establish centres for testing and treating psychological ailments, and offering regular counseling sessions to address trauma, depression, and stress. Also, national and subnational governments, and international development partners should factor comprehensive resettlement programmes in their emergency response plans to provide students with a stable environment for recovery.