Testing a Mediation Model: Social Support, Coping Strategies, and Psychological Well-Being Among Internally Displaced Persons in Borno State

Internally displaced persons in conflict-affected North East Nigeria experience chronic psychological distress, yet the mechanisms by which social support translates into well-being are insufficiently modelled in empirical literature. This study tested a mediation model examining whether coping strategies mediate the relationship between social support and psychological well-being among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno State. A cross-sectional survey design was used, with 380 adult IDPs from five camps in Maiduguri selected through cluster sampling. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Brief COPE Inventory, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) were administered. Mediation analysis using PROCESS macro (Model 4) was conducted in SPSS. Findings confirmed that coping strategies partially mediated the relationship between social support and psychological well-being. Approach-focused coping, particularly positive reframing and active problem-solving, were the most significant mediating pathways. Avoidant coping negatively moderated the social support-well-being link. Emotional social support demonstrated stronger direct effects on well-being compared to instrumental support. The study extends mediation modelling of IDP mental health in conflict contexts and provides a theoretical basis for designing counselling interventions that build coping capacities alongside social network strengthening. Keywords: social support, coping strategies, psychological well-being, internally displaced persons, Borno State.