Exploring the Role of Social Workers in Delivering Psychosocial Support to Survivors of Conflict in North East Nigeria

Abstract

Globally, armed conflict and humanitarian crises have become issues of serious concern, particularly in Africa and Nigeria’s North East region. This phenomenon has resulted in widespread displacement and exposed affected populations to numerous challenges such as psychological trauma, social dislocation, insecurity, disrupted livelihoods, and weakened community support systems. This study explores the role of social workers in delivering psychosocial support to survivors of conflict in North -East Nigeria. To achieve the study objectives, a qualitative research methodology using a phenomenological design was adopted and guided by Structu ral Functionalism Theory. Data was collected through semi -structured interviews with thirteen purposively selected informants, while thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Consequently, the findings revealed that social workers provide psychosocial support through individual counselling, group therapy, community mobilization, and peacebuilding initiatives. Furthermore, t he study further found that psychosocial interventions enhanced emotional recovery, coping strategies, resilience, and social reintegration among survivors. Additionally, the study discovered that social workers encounter significant challenges in delivering psychosocial support, including limited funding, insecurity, cultural barriers, inadequate professional training, high caseloads, and weak institutional s upport systems . Based on these findings, the study recommends increased funding for psychosocial programmes, strengthened security in conflict prone commu nities, regular professional training for social workers, improved institutional support mechanisms, and intensified community sensitisation to reduce stigma and improve access to psychosocial support services.