The Relationship Between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Social Support Among Female Survivors of ISIS in IDP Camps in Duhok Governorate
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14500/kujhss.v9n2y2026.pp227-241Keywords:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Support, Female Survivors, ISIS, IDP CampsAbstract
This research aimed to investigate the relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Social Support among female survivors of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist organization residing in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Duhok Governorate. A descriptive-correlational method was utilized on a purposive sample of 42 female survivors. To collect data, the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS) was used to measure PTSD, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was used to assess social support. The main findings revealed that the study sample generally suffers from a high level of PTSD symptoms. Concurrently, they perceive a high level of social support. The most significant finding was a strong, positive correlation between the level of PTSD and social support (r = 0.65). This indicates that as PTSD symptoms intensify, the perception of receiving social support also increases. The study confirms that social support is a critical coping factor and a natural response to severe trauma, highlighting the need for specialized psych-social programs for this vulnerable group. The importance of this research lies in clarifying the role of social support in mitigating PTSD symptoms, thereby paving the way for the design of more effective support programs that are tailored to the specific needs of trauma survivors.
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