Genius Multidisciplinary International Journal
ISSN: 2971-7760  |  Vol. 5, No. 3

GENDER AND AGE DIFFERENCES IN PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG VICTIMS OF BANDITRY IN BIRNIN GWARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

David Markus Shekwolo; Jerry James Doka; Sani A.S. Omaku, PhD

Abstract

This study examined gender and age differences in psychological well-being among victims of banditry in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, Kaduna State. A survey design was adopted, with multi-stage and convenience sampling used to select one hundred and forty-three (143) participants. The Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale was used to collect data, and two hypotheses were tested. Findings showed no statistically significant gender differences on any of the six dimensions of psychological well-being: autonomy, t(141) = .747, p > .05; environmental mastery, t(141) = .282, p > .05; personal growth, t(141) = -.196, p > .05; positive relations with others, t(141) = 1.557, p > .05; purpose in life, t(141) = -.029, p > .05; and self-acceptance, t(141) = -.457, p > .05. Similarly, age did not significantly predict differences in any of the six dimensions: autonomy, F(2, 142) = 1.692, p > .05; environmental mastery, F(2, 142) = 0.427, p > .05; personal growth, F(2, 142) = 0.299, p > .05; positive relations with others, F(2, 142) = 0.651, p > .05; purpose in life, F(2, 142) = 0.212, p > .05; and self-acceptance, F(2, 142) = 0.292, p > .05. These results suggest that exposure to banditry affects victims' psychological well-being fairly uniformly, regardless of their gender or age. In other words, the trauma associated with banditry does not appear to discriminate along demographic lines — male and female victims, as well as victims of different ages, appear to experience similar levels of psychological strain. Based on this, the study recommends that mental health and psychosocial support programmes for banditry victims in Birnin Gwari and similar communities be designed as broad, inclusive interventions rather than being tailored narrowly to specific gender or age groups. Government agencies, NGOs, and mental health practitioners should prioritise accessible counselling and rehabilitation services for all victims. Future research should also explore other factors, such as duration of exposure, degree of loss suffered, and displacement experiences, which may offer a clearer picture of what actually drives variation in psychological well-being among victims of banditry.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21359592

Published: July 14, 2026

Journal: Genius Multidisciplinary International Journal

ISSN: 2971-7760

Volume: 5, Issue 3

Publisher: Genius Academy — Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria