Psychosocial Trauma and Peacebuilding Readiness Among Conflict Survivors in Northeastern Nigeria

This study examines the relationship between psychosocial trauma levels and peacebuilding readiness among survivors of insurgency-related violence in Adamawa State, North East Nigeria. The psychological consequences of armed conflict are widely recognised as significant barriers to post-conflict reconciliation and social cohesion, yet empirical evidence linking trauma profiles to peacebuilding participation remains limited in the Nigerian context. Using a cross-sectional survey design, structured questionnaires incorporating the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and a validated peacebuilding readiness scale were administered to 300 conflict survivors drawn from returnee communities and IDP settlements in Yola North, Hong, and Shelleng local government areas. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to test the hypothesised relationship. The theoretical framework draws from psychosocial peacebuilding theory and trauma-informed conflict resolution frameworks. Findings indicate a significant negative correlation between high trauma burden and peacebuilding readiness, with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, social withdrawal, and inter-group hostility being the most potent mediating variables. Participants who had accessed structured psychosocial support demonstrated significantly higher peacebuilding readiness scores, underscoring the importance of trauma healing as a precondition for sustainable reconciliation. Recommendations include integrating mandatory psychosocial assessment and support into all peacebuilding programmes in North East Nigeria, training community peacebuilders in trauma-informed facilitation, and advocating for substantially increased mental health funding in post-conflict stabilisation budgets. Keywords: psychosocial trauma, peacebuilding readiness, North East Nigeria, conflict survivors, trauma-informed.