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Mental health of university students victims of the armed conflict: A mixed method approach

Abstract:

Introduction: The condition of being a victim in the context of an armed conflict supposes the existence of a series of developmental disorders that might have an impact on mental health. Objective: Analyze risk and protection factors regarding the mental health of victims of the Colombian armed conflict. Material and Methods: Multimethod approach and concurrent design in which the Zung depression scale, the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, the LOT-R vital orientation scale, the perceived stress scale, the Diener life satisfaction scale, the PANSI positive and negative ideation inventory, the SV-RES resilience scale, and an interview guide. Twenty-five Colombian university students registered as victims participated in this study. Results: The data suggest a reduction in the mental health of the participants, represented in depressive symptomatology (although not clinical), high levels of stress, and the presence of ideation linked to suicide and low scores in resilience factors. Also, low levels of self-esteem and optimism. The strengths were only located in the presence of thoughts of protection against suicide, such as the sense of control, self-confidence, positive expectations, joy, and satisfaction with life. Conclusions: That higher education institution that receives these students contemplates the formulation of programs that promote psychological well-being and resilience among this population.