Forgiveness, Social Support and Psychological Distress Among Refugees in Benue State, Nigeria

This study examined forgiveness, social support and psychological distress among refugees in Benue State, Nigeria. The study was necessitated by the increasing psychological challenges associated with forced displacement, including loss of homes, livelihoods, social networks, personal security, and exposure to traumatic experiences. Specifically, the study investigated the influence of forgiveness and social support on psychological distress among Cameroon refugees residing in Ikyogen Refugee Settlement, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 6,536 Cameroonian refugees in the settlement, from which 384 respondents were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the two hypotheses. Findings revealed that forgiveness significantly and negatively influenced psychological distress among the refugees, accounting for 23.1% of the variance in psychological distress, R = -.481, R² = .231, F(3, 381) = 7.836, p < .01. The dimensions of forgiveness-self, others, and situations also made significant independent contributions. Similarly, social support significantly and negatively influenced psychological distress, accounting for 30.9% of the variance, R = -.556, R² = .309, F(3, 381) = 9.394, p < .01. Friends’ support made the strongest contribution, followed by significant others’ support and family support. The study concludes that forgiveness and social support are important psychosocial factors associated with lower psychological distress among refugees. It recommends the integration of forgiveness-focused interventions, peer-support programmes, family and community support systems, and accessible psychological services into refugee assistance programmes in Benue State.