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IMPACT OF INSECURITY ON MENTAL HEALTH OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN IBARAPA AREA OF OYO STATE

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated the impact of insecurity on the mental health of secondary school students in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State. The region in the recent past experienced heightened levels of insecurity which was majorly as a result of internal conflicts between the indigenous farmers and herders. This study explored the multifaceted impacts of insecurity on students’ psychological well-being, using purposive sampling techniques to conduct Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with twenty-one students, having seven students in each group and an In-depth Interview with 9 students. Findings from the study highlight the pervasive influence of insecurity on students daily lives and mental health. Participants reported heightened levels of fear, anxiety, and stress due to various security challenges such as communal conflict, raping, maiming and killings through violent clashes. These feelings were compounded by a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty about personal safety, which significantly affected their ability to concentrate on academic tasks and engage effectively in school activities. The study went further to identify coping mechanisms deployed by members of the community which were not so sufficient in mitigating the long-term psychological impacts of insecurity. It recommends amongst others the need for comprehensive school-based mental health programmes, community-wide initiatives to promote safety and resilience among the students as well as implementing proactive security measures that foster supportive school environment which prioritize students’ psychological well-being. 

Keywords

Insecurity, Mental Health, Psychological Impact, Secondary School Students, Ibarapa, Oyo State

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