Exposure to Traumatic Experience as a Correlate of Aggressive Behaviour among Internally Displaced Adolescents in Flood-Prone Areas of Anambra State
The study adopted a correlation survey design to determine the relationship between exposure to traumatic experience and aggressive behaviours among internally displaced adolescents in flood-prone areas of Anambra state. From a population of 3,112 internally displaced adolescents in 14 IDPs camp in Anambra state, 420 who manifest aggressive behaviours via administration of Buss and Perry aggression questionnaire (instrument) formed the sample for the study. Data were collected through questionnaire of 20 items structured to elicit information on the behavioural and emotional response of internally displaced adolescents to traumatic exposure. The instrument was validated by three experts in the field of education. Reliability of the instrument was determined using cronbach Alpha and an alpha coefficient of 0.81 was obtained. Research questions were answered using frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Analysis was used for testing hypothesis 1, while hypothesis 2 was tested using t-test. Result revealed that internally displaced adolescents in flood-prone areas of Anambra state to a high extent experiences trauma. It also revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between exposure to traumatic experience and aggressive behaviours among internally displaced adolescents in flood-prone areas of Anambra state. The researchers recommend social support from Government, families and non-governmental organizations which may help adolescent disaster victims manage feelings of aggression, anxiety, depression and loneliness among others.