Building muscle is a goal many fitness enthusiasts aspire to achieve, whether to enhance athletic performance, improve overall health, or achieve a specific aesthetic. The journey to muscle growth requires dedication, proper nutrition, and a well-structured exercise routine. This post will explore essential exercises that effectively promote muscle growth, focusing on compound movements that engage multiple muscle groups, as well as isolation exercises that target specific muscles.
Before diving into specific exercises, it’s essential to understand the science behind muscle growth. When you engage in resistance training, you create small tears in your muscle fibers. The body repairs these tears through a process called muscle protein synthesis, resulting in thicker and stronger muscle fibers. To maximize muscle growth, you should focus on progressive overload, which involves gradually increasing the weight, frequency, or number of repetitions in your workouts.
Essential Compound Exercises
Compound exercises are fundamental to any muscle-building routine because they work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Here are some of the most effective compound exercises for muscle growth:
1. Squats
Squats are a powerhouse exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. They also engage the core, back, and calves, making them a comprehensive lower-body workout.
How to Perform Squats:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Lower your body by bending your knees and pushing your hips back as if you’re sitting in a chair.
Keep your chest up and back straight.
Go as low as you can while maintaining good form, ideally until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
Push through your heels to return to the starting position.
Variations: Barbell squats, front squats, goblet squats, and jump squats.
2. Deadlifts
Deadlifts are another excellent compound exercise, primarily targeting the hamstrings, glutes, lower back, and core. They also enhance grip strength and overall stability.
How to Perform Deadlifts:
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, with a barbell positioned over the middle of your feet.
Bend at your hips and knees to grip the barbell with both hands, keeping your back flat.
Drive through your heels to lift the barbell, extending your hips and knees simultaneously.
Keep the barbell close to your body as you lift it to hip level.
Lower the barbell back to the ground by bending at the hips and knees.
Variations: Conventional deadlifts, sumo deadlifts, and Romanian deadlifts.
3. Bench Press
The bench press is a classic upper-body exercise that primarily targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps. It’s essential for developing upper body strength and mass.
How to Perform Bench Press:
Lie on a flat bench with your feet flat on the ground.
Grip the barbell slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Lower the barbell to your chest, keeping your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
Push the barbell back to the starting position, fully extending your arms.
Pull-ups are a fantastic bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the back, biceps, and shoulders. They require no equipment other than a sturdy bar, making them accessible and highly effective.
How to Perform Pull-Ups:
Hang from a pull-up bar with your palms facing away from you and hands shoulder-width apart.
Engage your core and pull your body up until your chin is above the bar.
Lower yourself back to the starting position with control.
Variations: Assisted pull-ups, chin-ups (palms facing you), and wide-grip pull-ups.
Isolation Exercises for Targeted Growth
While compound exercises are vital for overall muscle development, isolation exercises help target specific muscles for balanced growth.
5. Bicep Curls
Bicep curls are effective for isolating the biceps and improving arm strength and aesthetics.
How to Perform Bicep Curls:
Stand with a dumbbell in each hand, arms fully extended at your sides.
Curl the weights toward your shoulders while keeping your elbows close to your body.
Lower the weights back to the starting position with control.
6. Tricep Dips
Tricep dips effectively target the triceps, shoulders, and chest.
How to Perform Tricep Dips:
Find a sturdy bench or dip station.
Position your hands shoulder-width apart on the edge of the bench, with your legs extended in front of you.
Lower your body by bending your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the ground.
Push through your palms to return to the starting position.
7. Leg Curls
Leg curls focus on isolating the hamstrings, helping to develop balanced leg strength.
How to Perform Leg Curls:
Use a leg curl machine, adjusting the pad to sit just above your heels.
Curl your legs towards your glutes while keeping your upper body stationary.
Lower your legs back to the starting position.
In Conclusion
Building muscle and sculpting strength demands commitment and a comprehensive exercise plan. By integrating both compound and isolation exercises, you can effectively engage all major muscle groups, leading to balanced development. Don’t forget to support your workouts with a nutritious, protein-rich diet and ensure you stay hydrated.
With consistency, patience, and the right strategy, you’ll be on track to reach your muscle-building objectives. If you’re in Lehi, consider working with a personal trainer to tailor your program for optimal results. Enjoy your journey to strength!
Nature is an intricate ballet of life, energy, and nutrients—a dance that sustains the world around us. In the heart of ecosystems, whether dense forests or arid deserts, lies a cycle of nutrients that fuels this balance. This process not only supports the thriving diversity of flora and fauna but also underpins agricultural productivity and climate stability. By grasping how nutrients move through ecosystems, we gain insight into how to preserve and enhance these natural processes.
The nutrient cycle is a continuous loop vital for life on Earth. It involves the movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter. Plants, animals, and microorganisms all play crucial roles, working together to keep the environment balanced. This cycle encompasses the major nutrients necessary for life, including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and others.
Decomposers The Unsung Heroes
Have you ever wondered what happens to fallen leaves or deceased animals? Decomposers—bacteria, fungi, and certain insects—are nature’s recyclers. They break down dead organic matter, transforming it into simpler substances. This decomposition returns nutrients to the soil, making them available for plants to absorb and use in their growth and development.
Plants The Primary Producers
Plants are remarkable entities that harness sunlight, water, and nutrients from the soil to create food via photosynthesis. They form the foundational base of the food web, providing nourishment to herbivores, which in turn support carnivores. By absorbing nutrients through their roots, plants redistribute these essential elements throughout the ecosystem.
Herbivores and Carnivores Transferring Energy
Herbivores, such as deer and rabbits, consume plants, transferring the stored energy and nutrients to higher trophic levels. Carnivores, like wolves or eagles, then prey on herbivores, further distributing nutrients. This consumption cycle ensures that nutrients flow throughout the ecosystem, supporting diverse life forms.
Symbiotic Relationships Nature’s Partnerships
Within ecosystems, symbiotic relationships between organisms enhance nutrient cycling. For example, nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the roots of legumes convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants. In return, plants provide carbohydrates to the bacteria. Such partnerships boost soil fertility and productivity, showcasing nature’s collaborative spirit.
Nutrient Storage in Soil The Reservoir
The soil acts as a reservoir for nutrients, storing them until they are needed by plants. Organic matter, such as decaying plant material and animal waste, enriches the soil with essential elements. This dynamic storage system prevents nutrient loss and serves as a buffer during periods of scarcity, ensuring ecosystems remain resilient.
Human Impact on Nutrient Cycles
Human activities, including agriculture and industrialization, can disrupt natural nutrient cycles. Excessive use of fertilizers, for instance, can lead to nutrient runoff, polluting water bodies and causing harmful algal blooms. Recognizing our impact and adopting sustainable practices are vital for maintaining nutrient balance and ecosystem health.
The Role of Organic Compost
One of the most effective ways to support natural nutrient cycling is by using organic compost. Composting organic waste allows us to recycle nutrients back into the soil, improving both its fertility and structure. In Salt Lake City, many residents and community gardens embrace organic compost to strengthen local ecosystems, showcasing their commitment to sustainable practices.
Agricultural Practices Mimicking Nature
Innovative agricultural practices, such as crop rotation and cover cropping, mimic natural nutrient cycles. These methods enhance soil health by reducing erosion, maintaining moisture, and improving nutrient availability. By aligning farming techniques with nature’s wisdom, we can ensure long-term productivity and environmental stewardship.
Climate Change and Nutrient Dynamics
Climate change poses challenges to nutrient cycles by altering temperature and precipitation patterns. These changes can affect the timing and availability of nutrients, impacting plant growth and ecosystem stability. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing strategies to adapt to and mitigate climate change impacts.
The Future of Nutrient Cycling in Ecosystems
As we look to the future, safeguarding nutrient cycles is paramount for sustaining life on Earth. By fostering education, research, and collaboration, we can devise solutions to preserve these natural processes. A collective effort will ensure that ecosystems continue to thrive, providing essential services for generations to come.
Conclusion
The cycle of nutrients in natural ecosystems is a testament to nature’s ingenuity and resilience. By appreciating and nurturing these cycles, we safeguard the delicate balance that sustains biodiversity and human civilization. Through conscious actions and sustainable practices, we can ensure that this intricate dance of nutrients continues to support life in all its forms.
When it comes to construction, what’s beneath the surface is as crucial as what’s above it. Understanding soil types can mean the difference between a sturdy structure and a costly mishap. For professionals in the construction industry, knowing the types of soil they are dealing with is not just beneficial—it’s essential. This blog post will uncover the importance of soil analysis in construction and provide insights into how different soil types can impact your building projects.
Why Soil Matters in Construction
The ground you build on is your foundation, both literally and figuratively. The type of soil determines the stability of your project. For builders, this knowledge ensures safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Each type of soil behaves differently under various conditions, and these differences can influence everything from the choice of materials to the design of the foundation.
First, soils have distinct properties—such as moisture retention, density, and load-bearing capacity—that directly affect how they interact with structures. Ignoring these properties can lead to issues like settling, shifting, or even structural failure. Second, understanding soil types helps in planning effective drainage solutions, which are critical in preventing water-related damage. Finally, knowing your soil type aids in estimating project timelines and costs, minimizing unexpected surprises.
Common Soil Types in Construction
Builders encounter a variety of soil types, each with unique characteristics. The most common ones include clay, silt, sand, gravel, and loam. Clay soils are dense and hold water well but can expand and contract dramatically, leading to potential foundational cracks. Silt, found near bodies of water, is smooth and retains water, but it can become unstable when wet.
Sand, with its large particles, drains well but doesn’t hold its shape, making it less stable. Gravel offers excellent drainage and stability, yet it doesn’t retain moisture, which can be both an advantage and a drawback. Loam, considered the ideal soil, is a balanced mix of clay, silt, and sand, providing good drainage, stability, and fertility.
The Impact of Soil Composition
Understanding the composition of the soil on a building site is crucial for making informed decisions. Soil composition affects load-bearing capacities and the potential need for soil modification techniques. For instance, clay-heavy soils might require stabilization or specific foundation designs to accommodate their expansion and contraction tendencies.
The mineral content of soil also influences its behavior. High organic content can cause soil to shrink or decompose, impacting structural integrity. Furthermore, certain minerals can corrode building materials over time, necessitating protective measures. By analyzing soil composition, builders can tailor their approach to ensure safety and longevity.
Soil Testing Methods
Before breaking ground, it’s vital to perform a thorough soil test. Several methods can help determine soil type and suitability for construction. The simplest is the visual inspection, observing color, texture, and structure. However, more detailed laboratory tests analyze moisture content, density, and load-bearing capacity.
Field tests, such as the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Cone Penetration Test (CPT), provide in-situ data about soil conditions, helping builders understand how soil will behave under stress. These tests are crucial for designing foundations and predicting how soil might shift over time.
The Role of Soil in Foundation Design
The type of soil influences the design and depth of foundations. For example, clay soils might require deeper or wider foundations to distribute weight and prevent movement. Sandy soils, which offer less support, may necessitate specialized piling techniques to achieve stability.
Understanding soil properties allows builders to choose appropriate foundation types, whether slab, pier, or basement. Proper foundation design minimizes risks and ensures long-term structural safety.
Drainage and Soil Considerations
Effective drainage is integral to maintaining soil stability around a structure. Poor drainage can lead to waterlogging, erosion, and foundation issues. Different soil types require unique drainage solutions. Clay, which holds water, demands well-planned systems to divert excess moisture away from structural elements.
Conversely, sandy soils require techniques to retain enough moisture for plant growth while avoiding erosion. Implementing the right drainage solutions enhances the longevity and safety of construction projects.
Addressing Soil Stability Challenges
In some cases, soils may not be naturally suitable for construction, necessitating stabilization techniques. Lime stabilization, for instance, can improve clay soil’s load-bearing capacity by altering its chemical properties. Geotextiles and geogrids are often used to reinforce weak soils, providing additional support.
These techniques enhance soil stability, allowing for safe construction on challenging sites. By addressing soil stability concerns early, builders can avoid costly repairs and ensure the success of their projects.
The Importance of Local Expertise
Local knowledge plays a significant role in understanding soil types and their impact on construction. Excavation contractors in Salt Lake City, for instance, have unique insights into the regional soil conditions and can provide invaluable guidance. Collaborating with local experts ensures that your project adheres to best practices and local regulations.
This partnership minimizes risks associated with soil-related challenges and helps streamline the construction process, saving time and resources.
Environmental Considerations in Soil Management
Sustainable construction practices take into account the environmental impact of soil management. Preserving the natural landscape and minimizing soil disruption are key factors. Implementing erosion control measures, such as vegetation cover and retaining walls, helps maintain soil health.
Additionally, using recycled materials and environmentally friendly stabilization techniques contribute to sustainable building practices, benefiting both the environment and the community.
Monitoring Soil After Construction
Once a project is complete, soil monitoring remains essential. Regular inspections help identify shifts or changes in soil conditions that could affect structural integrity. Monitoring moisture levels, drainage efficiency, and any signs of erosion are important maintenance tasks.
Proactive soil management ensures that the building remains safe and stable over time, protecting both the investment and its occupants.
Conclusion
Understanding soil types and their impact on construction is a foundational aspect of successful projects. By knowing the characteristics and behaviors of different soil types, builders can make informed decisions that enhance safety, longevity, and sustainability. From testing and stabilization to collaboration with local experts, every step contributes to a solid foundation for your construction endeavors.
For further exploration of soil types and construction techniques, consult industry resources or connect with professionals who can provide tailored guidance. With the right knowledge and approach, you can ensure that your construction projects stand the test of time.
Singapore is home to some of the top schools offering a diverse range of educational approaches, including local and international curricula. Here are a few highly regarded schools:
International Community School (Singapore) – This Christian school offers a U.S.-based college preparatory curriculum for kindergarten through high school, with a strong emphasis on values and community. It’s well-known for academic rigor and extracurricular opportunitiesWhich School Advisor.
Tanglin Trust School – Established in 1925, Tanglin provides a British-based education with options for A-levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It’s a well-established institution with a long history in SingaporeWhich School Advisor.
Dunman High School – Known for academic excellence and a wide array of co-curricular activities, Dunman focuses on holistic development and leadership in its students. It has strong science and humanities programsHereSingaporeTutor City.
Nanyang Girls’ High School – One of Singapore’s top girls’ schools, offering an education that fosters leadership and character development alongside academic success. It emphasizes both personal growth and service to the communityHereSingapore.
UWC South East Asia – Part of the United World Colleges network, UWCSEA offers an IB-based education and is known for its holistic approach, offering extensive extracurricular activities in the arts, sports, and moreWhich School Advisor.
These ib schools in singapore, among others, highlight Singapore’s commitment to providing a high-quality education system that caters to a wide range of interests and talents.
After completing 10th grade, students have a variety of options to consider for further education and career paths. Here are the top ten exams and streams that students can pursue after 10th:
Overview: Students can choose to enroll in Science, Commerce, or Arts streams. The choice largely depends on their interests and career aspirations.
Key Focus: Subjects vary by stream, with Science focusing on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, Commerce on Business Studies and Accountancy, and Arts on subjects like History and Psychology.
2. National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
Overview: NIOS offers a flexible education system where students can complete their secondary education through open schooling.
Key Focus: It is suitable for students who prefer self-paced learning or need to balance other commitments.
3. Diploma Courses
Overview: Various technical and vocational diploma courses are available, including Engineering, Hotel Management, and Nursing.
Key Focus: These courses provide practical knowledge and skills for specific industries, often requiring an entrance exam.
4. ITI (Industrial Training Institute)
Overview: ITI courses focus on technical skills in fields such as electrician, plumbing, and welding.
Key Focus: Students learn specific trades, enhancing employability in skilled labor sectors.
5. Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)
Overview: JEE is a national-level exam for admission into engineering programs in prestigious institutions like IITs and NITs.
Key Focus: It tests students on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
6. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)
Overview: NEET is the entrance exam for students aiming to pursue undergraduate medical courses (MBBS, BDS).
Key Focus: The exam assesses knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
7. Common Entrance Test (CET)
Overview: Various states in India conduct CETs for admission into professional courses, including engineering and medical programs.
Key Focus: Depending on the state, the CET may cover subjects like Mathematics and Science.
8. Commerce Stream Entrance Exams
Overview: For students interested in pursuing Commerce, exams for BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) programs are available.
Key Focus: These exams often assess aptitude in Mathematics, English, and Logical Reasoning.
9. Creative Arts Entrance Exams
Overview: Students interested in pursuing Fine Arts, Design, or Performing Arts can take entrance exams specific to these fields.
Key Focus: Exams may include practical assessments, portfolios, and interviews.
10. Foreign Language and Vocational Courses
Overview: Students can opt for foreign language courses or vocational training that offer specialized skills.
Key Focus: These courses enhance language proficiency or provide practical skills for various careers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right path after 10th grade is crucial for a student’s future. It’s important to assess personal interests, strengths, and career goals when considering these options. Each of these exams and courses opens different avenues for higher education and career opportunities.
The International Conference on Motherhood Melodies brought together scholars, writers, and practitioners from diverse fields to explore the intricate connections between motherhood and literature. Focusing on the theme “A Global Harmony of Literary Resonance,” this conference aimed to illuminate how literary expressions across cultures reflect and shape maternal experiences, emotions, and narratives.
Panels and Sessions
The conference included a variety of panels and breakout sessions that engaged participants in critical discussions and interactive workshops. Notable topics included:
The Role of Memory in Maternal Narratives: Examining how personal and collective memories shape the portrayal of motherhood in literature.
Motherhood and Identity: Investigating the intersection of maternal identities with cultural, racial, and socio-economic factors in literary works.
The Aesthetic of Care: Exploring how literature represents caregiving as a form of art and emotional labor.
Highlights of the Conference
Interactive Workshops: Attendees participated in workshops that focused on creative writing, storytelling, and the use of narrative techniques to express maternal experiences.
Poster Presentations: Emerging scholars showcased their research through poster presentations, allowing for rich dialogue and networking opportunities.
Cultural Performances: The conference featured performances that celebrated maternal themes through poetry, music, and dance, reinforcing the idea of motherhood as a universal melody.
Conclusion
The International Conference on Motherhood Melodies fostered an environment of intellectual exchange and collaboration. Participants left with a deeper understanding of how literature resonates with the myriad experiences of motherhood, transcending cultural boundaries and inspiring future research.
Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all speakers, participants, and volunteers who contributed to the success of this conference. Special thanks to the organizing committee at Christ Nagar College and the IQAC for their unwavering support and dedication.
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (1916–1968) was an Indian politician, philosopher, economist, and thinker, who played a significant role in shaping the political and ideological framework of modern India. He was a key leader in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (the precursor to the Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP) and is best known for his formulation of the concept of “Integral Humanism”—a philosophy that sought to define India’s political and socio-economic direction post-independence.
Early Life and Education
Deendayal Upadhyaya was born on September 25, 1916, in the small town of Chandrabhan (now renamed Deendayal Dham) in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh. His early life was marked by tragedy, as he lost his parents at a young age, and he was raised by his maternal uncle. Despite financial hardships, Upadhyaya was an excellent student, excelling academically. He attended high school in Sikar, Rajasthan, where he earned a scholarship, and later completed his graduation from Sanatan Dharma College, Kanpur. He pursued further studies at St. John’s College, Agra.
However, despite excelling academically, Upadhyaya was drawn towards nationalist politics and social work, influenced by the ideas of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist volunteer organization that focused on nation-building and social welfare.
Political Career
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s formal political journey began when he joined the RSS in the late 1930s. Deeply committed to the cause of Hindutva (Hindu nationalism), he worked as a full-time “pracharak” (propagator) for the RSS. His dedication to nationalist ideals was evident as he worked tirelessly to expand the influence of the organization in different parts of India.
In 1951, when Syama Prasad Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), Deendayal Upadhyaya was one of its key founding members. He became the party’s General Secretary, a post he held for nearly two decades, contributing to the growth of the party. He was instrumental in defining the ideological framework of the Jana Sangh, emphasizing a vision of India rooted in its indigenous culture, values, and self-reliance.
Integral Humanism
The most important contribution of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya to Indian political thought is his doctrine of “Integral Humanism” (Ekatma Manav Darshan). Delivered as a series of lectures in 1965, Integral Humanism was proposed as an alternative to both Western capitalism and socialism. According to Upadhyaya, both these systems were incompatible with Indian culture and failed to meet the holistic needs of human beings.
Core principles of Integral Humanism:
Holistic Development of Human Beings: Upadhyaya believed that human development must address both material and spiritual needs. Western ideologies focused too much on material prosperity, neglecting the spiritual and cultural aspects of human life.
Socio-Economic Model Based on Indian Traditions: Upadhyaya advocated for an economic model rooted in Indian values, emphasizing decentralized governance and self-reliance (Swadeshi). He was against the blind adoption of Western economic policies and called for a system that balanced economic growth with ethical living.
Harmony between Individual and Society: He stressed that individual aspirations should align with the well-being of society as a whole. He argued for a balance between individual rights and societal duties, avoiding both excessive state control and extreme individualism.
Focus on Indigenous Solutions: Upadhyaya’s vision was fundamentally based on the cultural and spiritual ethos of India. He believed that India must evolve a political and economic system that is not an imitation of the West but instead arises from its own traditions, culture, and spiritual heritage.
Integral Humanism continues to serve as the ideological foundation of the BJP today, which sees it as a guiding principle for national development and governance.
Political Leadership and Influence
Deendayal Upadhyaya’s leadership in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh was marked by his focus on organizational discipline and ideological clarity. Although he was not a mass leader like some of his contemporaries, his influence lay in his intellectual contributions and behind-the-scenes work in strengthening the party structure. He became the President of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1967, but his tenure was tragically short-lived due to his untimely death.
Despite the challenges faced by the Jana Sangh in competing with larger political entities like the Congress, Upadhyaya’s vision helped solidify the party’s role as the voice of Hindu nationalism and cultural conservatism in Indian politics. His emphasis on a politics of ethics, discipline, and indigenous values resonated with many, laying the groundwork for the later rise of the BJP.
Mysterious Death
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s life was cut short under mysterious circumstances. On February 11, 1968, his body was found near the railway tracks in Mughal Sarai (now Deendayal Upadhyaya Junction) under suspicious circumstances. The circumstances of his death remain unclear to this day, leading to various theories and speculations. His untimely death was a great loss to Indian politics, as many believe he had much more to offer in terms of thought leadership and political guidance.
Legacy
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s legacy lives on through the political ideology he helped shape. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which emerged from the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, regards him as a key figure in its ideological foundation. His thoughts on Integral Humanism continue to influence Indian politics, particularly in the realm of governance, self-reliance, and national identity.
Several institutions, programs, and initiatives have been named in his honor, reflecting the continued relevance of his ideas. The government of India, especially under the leadership of BJP, has launched numerous schemes bearing his name, including Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana (for poverty alleviation) and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (for rural employment).
Conclusion
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was a thinker and politician who left an indelible mark on Indian political thought through his advocacy of a distinctive Indian philosophy, Integral Humanism. His ideas continue to inspire contemporary political discourse in India, especially within the Hindutva movement and the broader framework of Indian governance. His focus on the integration of material and spiritual development, as well as the promotion of an indigenous economic and political system, makes him a key figure in the intellectual history of modern India.
NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd. (NLDSL) announces the launch of Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) Hackathon 2.0, a competitive event aimed at fostering innovation and developing digital solutions to tackle pressing challenges in the logistics industry. The Hackathon was officially launched at an event held under the chairmanship of Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), at Vanijya Bhawan.
The launch event witnessed more than 1800 attendees joining the kick-off physically and virtually, reflecting widespread industry interest in the initiative. Hackathon 2.0 marks a significant step in leveraging innovation and technology to reshape and streamline India’s logistics and supply chain sector.
Building on the success of ULIP Hackathon 1.0, which resulted in the development of cutting-edge solutions, Hackathon 2.0 invites developers, start-ups, and industry players to come together once again. The focus of this year’s hackathon is on addressing key logistics challenges such as sustainability, complex supply chain processes, unified documentation, andmultimodal logistics optimization.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur, said, “We are excited to launch ULIP Hackathon 2.0, an initiative that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. With the tremendous success of Hackathon 1.0, we are confident that this year’s event will generate even more innovative solutions to shape the future of India’s logistics ecosystem.”
As part of its ongoing commitment to transforming the logistics sector, NLDSL also announced the launch of the Track Your Transport (TYT) application powered by ULIP. This app is designed to empower small-scale transporters and traders by addressing various facets of logistics management, from providing tracking of cargo via all modes to verification of vehicles and drivers. TYT eliminates the need for heavy IT infrastructure investments, making it a cost-effective and user-friendly tool for the unorganized sector.
Shri Rajat Kumar Saini, CEO & MD, NICDC and Chairman, NLDSL highlighted that the TYT app is a key milestone in their efforts to bring digital empowerment to small traders and transporters. He stated, “The app provides the tools necessary to enhance operational efficiency and visibility, ensuring that small players can compete on a level playing field with the rest of the industry.”
Track Your Transport app can be accessed via the web at http://www.trackyourtransport.in or downloaded through Android, iOS, and Digital India App Stores.
About ULIP:
ULIP is a digital gateway that allows industry players to access logistics-related datasets from various Government systems through API-based integration. Currently, the platform integrates with 37 systems from 10 ministries via 118 APIs, covering over 1800 data fields. Private sector participation in ULIP has been instrumental in amplifying its impact, with over 1000 companies registered on the ULIP portal (www.goulip.in). Additionally, these companies have developed over 100 applications, leading to more than 54 crore API transactions.
About NLDSL:
NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd. (NLDSL) has been at the forefront of transforming India’s logistics sector through its innovative solutions like Logistics Data Bank (LDB) and ULIP. By leveraging advanced technology, NLDSL has enhanced efficiency, transparency, and digitization within the industry.
The company was established on December 30, 2015, with the primary objective of harnessing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance efficiency in the Indian logistics sector. It is a joint venture between Government of India represented by National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT) and Japanese IT major NEC Corporation.
Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated a one-day workshop on the Institutional Development Plan for Higher Education Institutes. He also released the UGC Compendium of Regulations (1957-2023) as a single, accessible & reliable source of all UGC rules. Shri Sanjay Murthy, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education; Dr. N.S. Kalsi, Former Chairman, NCVET and Chairman of the Committee working on formulating the IDP Guidelines; Shri M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, UGC; Vice-Chancellors, Nodal Officers, and other dignitaries were also present at the event.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, while addressing the audience said the Higher education Institutes of the country will play a crucial role in realising the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of Viksit Bharat by embracing the core values and spirit of NEP 2020.
He also talked about the role of the HEIs in redefining the purpose and structure of education, empowering youth and making them future-ready, doubling the gross enrolment ratio, bringing a vast majority of the population under the higher education net, effectively utilising demographic advantage, achieving academic, research & innovation excellence and also the way forward for transforming 5000 HEIs into centres-of-excellence through holistic and inclusive approaches.
Shri Pradhan also said that education will propel India from being a consuming economy to becoming a producing economy. The institutional development plan should focus on enhancing the competencies of our vast demography, facilitating learner-centric and multidisciplinary education, integrating Bharatiya Bhasha in higher learning, prioritising innovation, entrepreneurship and job-creation as an outcome, capacity building of teachers and achieving the global standard of research & development, he added.
He also said that education must address 21st-century aspirations and create solutions for local and global challenges. The world looks at India’s talent pool for new models and solutions to challenges of our age, he stated He exhorted the academic fraternity to work in a focused and time-bound manner to reinvent their institutions, transforming the higher educational landscape and achieving national priorities.
Speaking on the relevance and importance of the workshop Shri K. Sanjay Murthy elaborated on the ambitious plan the Ministry of Education had presented to the Prime Minister as part of the social group with the vision for the next twenty-five years. Talent and competency would be needed to back up the tremendous work that would take place and the institutions must rise to the demand to meet the talent requirements, he added. He also emphasized the Future of Work and that the IDP must focus on enhancing the quality of the institutes. Introduction of the IDP will also help the institutes to be at par with the universities of the world, he said.
About the Workshop:
The workshop on Institutional Development Plan (IDP) brings together higher education institutions to discuss strategies for institutional growth and development. The compendium will serve as a valuable resource for institutions as they develop and implement their IDP. Over 170 representatives from HEIs across India are participating in this workshop. Aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the IDP provides institutions with a clear roadmap to develop their vision, mission and goals for a future-ready education system.
Through the two thematic sessions, the participants will have the opportunity to learn about governance enablers, financial planning and management, human resources and supportive-facilitative enablers, networking and collaboration enablers, physical enablers, digital enablers, and research and intellectual property enablers, innovative funding models, and curriculum development. Renowned experts from industry, academia, and government will share their insights and experiences on these critical areas.
In each session, different universities will share their best practices for creating their IDP. In a separate Q&A session, Chairman UGC, Former Chairman, NCVET and the speakers from the Panels will address the queries of the participants.
About UGC Compendium:
To provide a single source of reference to all the stakeholders, UGC has prepared a Compendium of all UGC Regulations, Rules and Notifications from 1957-2023. The compendium includes 15 Rules, 87 Regulations, and 28 Notifications covering a wide range of topics, including inspection, the fitness of institutions for grants, return of information, budget and accounts, establishments, affiliation, autonomy, accreditation, admission & fees, specification of degrees, and other miscellaneous matters. The compendium provides a one-stop reference for all regulatory requirements, ensuring that institutions can easily access and comply with UGC guidelines. This is expected to streamline operations and support informed decision-making, creating an environment of compliance and best practices. This compendium having more than 1100 pages, is available in the form of a PDF and e-book on the UGC website.
About IDP:
Institutional Development Plan (IDP) Guidelines were launched by UGC on 6th February 2024. The IDP Guidelines will help institutions make a strategic Institutional Development Plan with the joint participation of Board members, institutional leaders, faculty, students and staff based on which institutions will develop initiatives, assess their progress, and reach the goals set therein.
The Vice-President, Shi JagdeepDhankhar today reflected on the profound influence of national leadership, stating “Although there is a lot in a name, the name ‘Nar’ plus ‘Indra’, ‘Narendra’, has made everything possible.”
Commending the significant strides made in housing development, Shri Dhankhar stated that over 21,000 houses have been sanctioned and constructed in the region, under various government initiatives. He emphasized the remarkable transformation taking place in the country, attributing this progress to the leadership “The specialty here is that whatever gets sanctioned becomes possible. Why is everything becoming possible in the country? It is because the person who is making it possible is leading the country,” he said.
Acknowledging the profound changes witnessed in the last decade concerning the selection of recipients for some of the nation’s highest civilian honors, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and Bharat Ratna awards, Shri Dhakhar remarked “A big change has come in the last 10 years. Now, the recipients of these prestigious awards are those who are truly deserving. People across the country now say that the awards are being given to the right individuals”. He further noted that this progress symbolizes India’s journey towards “Ram Rajya”. “This reflects that the country is changing and moving towards Ram Rajya,” he said.
Highlighting India’s emergence as the center of the biggest change of this century, Shri Dhankhar stated, “Those who think big have made India the main center of the world. There is no other country like India. I am not the one saying this—major global institutions are acknowledging this transformation. A massive change, one that was previously unimaginable, is unfolding.”
Emphasizing the transformative governance, Shri Dhankhar pointed to the unprecedented developments in infrastructure and essential services across the country. “Did you ever imagine that, with the help of the government, such a powerful voice would rise, that every household would have access to electricity, gas connections, and toilets? And now, the Prime Minister has even initiated the solar energy system,”he said.
Recognizing the Government’s commitment to transforming lives through economic empowerment, he stated, “I request Prafullaji to organize a small camp here for Mudra loans. Once informed, people will realize the Government of India has a policy to empower them economically, enabling not only self-employment but also providing jobs to others.”
Underscoring that education is the centre of the biggest change today, Shri Dhankharurged everyone to prioritize their children’s education. “Education is the centre of the biggest change today. I request all of you to pay a lot of attention to the education of your children,” he said.
Emphasizing the holistic progress of Bharat across water, land, sky, and space, Shri Dhankhar urged citizens to reflect continuously on their contributions to the nation’s advancement, stating, “We are moving towards Ramrajya, and each of us can play a significant role in this journey.”
Shri Praful Patel, Hon’ble Administrator, UT of DNH&DD and Lakshadeep and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Department of Sociology, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni Port Harcourt
Abstract
The study investigated football betting and depression among youths in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State. The study was guided with one research question, one objective as well as one hypothesis. The scope of the study was delimited into geographical scope and the content scope which addressing the issue football betting and depression. They were synthesized to explain the nexus between football betting and depression. Methodologically, the study adopted a correlation research design using quantitative research approach to get the view of the sample respondents. The sample size of 400 was used to determine through census sampling technique. The research instrument was questionnaire. The validity of the instrument was content validity, while the reliability was obtained through test-retest technique which gave an index of 0.80. The method of data analysis included the chart, mean and T-test. The findings of the study revealed the reasons for football betting among football betting youths in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State and also found that various depressed symptoms characterized the football betting games such as financial constraints, conflict with family members, emotional traumas and many more. It was recommended among others the need for youths to consider reaching out to mental health professionals, such as a therapist or counselor, or social workers who can provide personalized support and guidance as this can help them to understand and address the underlying causes of their depressive symptoms related to football betting.
Football (soccer) is one of the most popular sports in the world which is associated with important betting activities (Armstrong & Carroll, 2017). A common belief, widely spread among those who participate in football betting activities, is that knowledge and expertise on football lead to better prediction skills for match outcomes (Armstrong & Carroll, 2017). This belief precipitated the high increase in the number of youths who participate in football betting. Football betting is the activity of predicting football results and placing a wager on the outcome. The frequency of football bet varies from culture to culture. Uzochukwu and Ohiri (2021) maintained that in recent times, the economic hardship in Nigeria is becoming unbearable hence, most people are finding it difficult to meet their basic needs. They further stated that unemployment and underemployment rate is on the increase, and businesses are collapsing and depression rate is increasing daily which all result to people involving in different risky behaviour to survive. One of the risky behaviour is gambling which has been reported to be related to some criminal behaviour and prominent amongst then is football betting which most Nigerian youths are addicted to. (Oyebisi, et al., 2012).
The Nigerian sports betting (online and offline) and gaming industry has grown geometrically in the past few years (Uzochukwu & Ohiri, 2021). Accordingly, to them, this remarkable growth can be attributed to the country’s population and increased access to the internet via enabled internet devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptop, desktops etc. Many adolescents, youths, young adult, educated and non-educated Nigerians are involved in football betting (Eboh, 2015). Football betting has become part of mainstream culture through the entertainment, leisure, sport, and tourism industries and it is a significant source of revenue to governments and private enterprises (Eboh et al., 2012). It also comes in different forms `ranging from betting and prediction, lottery, casino betting and virtual games. Football betting also poses a source of harm and concern to some Nigerians due to its negative impact on individuals, families and communities through problem gambling (Deans et al., 2017). While most people handle recreational football betting in a controlled way, many get addicted. It is therefore essential that football betting and problem gambling are well understood, and that the regulation of football betting at individual, community, industry and government levels is well informed.
Statistically, about 60 million Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 40 are involved in active sports betting. On average, these punters spend roughly ₦3,000 Naira every day on bets enterprise (Eboh et al., 2012). For instance, data report from Klynveld and Goerdeler (2016) revealed that a leading sports betting company in Nigeria makes an average monthly turnover of $10 million dollars. Sport betting shops can now be spotted in almost every street in Lagos and new ones are popping up daily. In Nigeria gambling is regulated by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and it is worthy to note that all forms of gambling including football betting are restricted from all residents of Nigeria below 18 years enterprise (Eboh et al., 2012). The present paper is on the trends of football betting and the change in the appetite of youths who engage in this game in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State
Objective of the Study
The main objective of this study is to investigate the nexus between football betting and depression among football betting youths in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State. In specific terms, the objective is to;
To investigate how the trends of football betting how the trends of football betting affect change in the appetite of youths who engage in this game in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Hypothesis
Ho1 The more the youths involves themselves in football betting and also becomes unsuccessful in the game, the more they become depress in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State
Significance of the Study
This study would be useful as it will reveal the relationship between football betting and depression among football betting youths in Nigeria. The study will be of a huge benefit to government, parents, teachers, counsellors, social workers and future researchers. The study would be beneficial to government in the sense that the study will reveal the prevalence of pathological betting and its negative effects on the mental health of the youths. This will enable government to initiate laws that will regulate football betting and other gambling activities. The government through this study will be informed of the importance of social workers in addressing some of these social issues.
Operational Definition of Terms
The following terms are operationally defined;
Depression: This is a mental disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities one usually enjoys.
Betting: Betting is the action of gambling money, possessions, time, or something else on the outcome of something, such as a game or race. In other words, the act or practice of playing games of chance for a stake; usually money. We can also, in most cases, use the word ‘gambling’ with the same meaning.
Football betting: This refers to the activity of predicting football results and placing a wager on the outcome.
Football Betting Youths: These are young people between the ages of 18-40 who engage in football betting in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Trends of Football Betting in Nigeria
Motorcycle Racing: With the rest of the events, the situation is similar. Motorcycle racing allows us to bet on the winner of the test or make a combine. They are motorcycle races on a speedway-type circuit where you only turn to the left side. Each participant has their quotas, and the race lasts only 1 minute.
Virtual Motorcycle Racing: In these speed cycling races, you can bet on the winner from a group of 8 runners or make a combine. As in other virtual sports, the race is short but exciting.
Greyhound Racing: Greyhound racing is practically identical to motorcycle racing. In them, the virtual dogs must go around a circular circuit, and before it, we can bet on the winner or make a combined. The dog with the lowest odds does not have to win here, as it does in real life.
Horse and Trotter Racing: You can also bet on horse races. As with the other specialties, you bet only on the winner or in combinations. You will see a race in a virtual racetrack with a quite successful setting. Trotting competitions are a bit slower and maybe a bit more boring.
Match Bet: This is the simplest form of football betting in which you pick the result of a football match. You can bet on the three different outcomes which are a home team to win, the away team to win or a draw. It’s important to note that match bets are paid out on the outcome after 90 minutes, so if the scores are level then, the draw is the winning bet, irrespective of the outcome after extra time or penalties.
Bet Builder/Same Game Multi: Bet builders are one of the newer additions to football betting and have become one of the more popular ways to bet on the sport in recent years. Sometimes referred to as same game multis, these bets are effectively an accumulator of outcomes from a single match rather than a number of matches. These bets are obviously less likely to come in because of the number of outcomes that need to happen. However, they are perfect if you are knowledgeable about both teams and want to place small-stake bets at the bigger odds that can be realised by combining numerous outcomes, such as the number of yellow cards, corners and goal scorers, rather than betting on each individual market. You can also include player props, which we explain below, in bet builders. Player props are also becoming a popular form of betting on their own.
Player Props/Player Stats: This is a way of showing how the football betting market has continued to evolve with an in-depth set of markets released for various Premier League and international matches. This is different to the goal scoring or card markets, and includes the ability to bet on players to have a certain number of shots, tackles and even off sides. There are also ever-growing prop markets that lead to some intriguing bets such as how many free-kicks, goal-kicks and throw-ins there are in a match. What’s on offer differs widely from bookmaker to bookmaker, but one of the bookies with the most player props available is bet365. There is also now the option to bet on the number of passes a player makes in a match, which can be a fascinating bet to follow and allows customers to use their own research before making the specific bet (Hing, Lamont, Vitartas & Fink 2015)..
Whole-goal handicap: Liverpool -1, Arsenal +2. The figures next to each team are applied to their score in the match. If you bet on Liverpool, you win if they win by a two-goal margin or more. You lose if they draw or lose. And you get your stake back if they win by a one-goal margin, which is cancelled out by the -1, making the handicap result a draw. If you bet on Arsenal, you win if they win, if they draw or if they lose by only a one-goal margin. You lose if they lose by a three-goal margin or more. And you get your stake back if they lose by a two-goal margin, which is cancelled out by the +2, making the
European handicap bet: A European handicap is similar to an Asian handicap but with two main differences: one is that the draw remains an option and the other is that the handicaps are only ever whole numbers.
Half-time/full-time: You can bet on the result of the first half and/or the second half. You can bet on the home team, away team or draw for one or both halves. This bet is for the more advanced football fan who has prior knowledge to indicate the teams who start or finish matches strongly or weakly. Knowing the starting line-ups and whether key players are missing through injury or being rested can also be an advantage with this type of bet.
Double Chance: You can bet on two of the three outcomes of the match to increase your chance of winning. The combinations are:
Home team or draw
Away team or draw
Home team or away team
If either of your combinations wins you will be paid out. The odds are lower than betting on just a single match outcome as there is more chance of winning, but this bet is good for bettors who want to reduce the element of risk.
Goal scorer Betting: As it suggests, this is a bet on a particular player to score during a match. You can bet on various outcomes, such as your selection to be the first or last goalscorer in the match or to score at any time during it. The odds on them scoring at any time will be shorter because there is obviously a greater chance of that happening. These bets are often quite good to take a chance on when a player has been in a rich vein of form, or if a team is overall better than their opponents making a player more likely to find the back of the net. You can choose from any of the players on the pitch, with bookmakers often having good offers to go with some of the markets within goal scoring and boosts throughout the different matches, depending on how they’re going.
Correct Score/Scorecast/Wincast: A correct score bet is one in which you predict the final score of a match. Remember that this will be the outcome after 90 minutes in cup ties that could go to extra time and/or penalties. The prices for correct score bets are often attractive but, of course, predicting the exact score is far from easy. A Scorecast is a bet that combines selecting a goalscorer and the correct score. For example, you can bet on Mohamed Salah to score and Liverpool to win 2-0. Again, the odds on such bets have higher odds because you are betting on the likelihood of two outcomes. Some bookmakers will also let you choose the goalscorer in a Scorecast to be the first, last or at any time. A Wincast is similar to a Scorecast, but involves selecting a goalscorer and the outcome of the match rather than the correct score. The odds will not be as high as a Scorecast because it is easier to predict the outcome rather than the scoreline.
Over and Under Betting: This is a bet on the total number of times an event (for example, goals, corners, yellow cards) will happen during a match. Bookmakers allocate a baseline number to a match and you can bet on whether there will be more (over) or fewer (under) than that number. The baseline number will never be a whole number, which guarantees that the outcome will be one of two: over or under. (You can’t score half a goal.) So in a match where a bookmaker is offering Over or Under 2.5 goals, you win if you bet on Over and three or more goals are scored, but you lose if the total is none, one or two. Likewise, if you bet on Under, you win if none, one or two goals are scored and lose if the total is three or higher.
Draw No Bet: This is where you bet on the outcome of a match, but if it ends in a draw then you will get your stake back. However, this means the odds will usually be lower than other markets.
In-play betting: As the name suggests, in-play betting involves making a bet on an outcome during an event, such as backing the next team to score in a match you are watching on television. Bookmakers offer several markets, such as the next goalscorer, which team will win the next corner or throw-in, or who will be the next player to be shown a yellow card. There are also some great markets to follow on in-play sites such as ‘corner races’ and on bet365 certain specials within the prop markets available such as shots and player shots.
Research Methodology
Research Design
Correlation research design was adopted in this study. The correlation research design refers to a relationship between two variables that have nothing to do with any extraneous variable. It is a non-experimental research method where the researcher has to assess the statistical relationship between the two variables to reach the desired outcome (Wilson, 2020).
Area of Study
Obio-Akpor is a local government area in the metropolis of Port Harcourt, one of the major centres of economic activities in Nigeria, and one of the major cities of the Niger Delta, located in Rivers State. The local government area covers 260 km2 and at the 2006 Census held a population of 464,789. Its postal code or ZIP code is 500102. Obio-Akpor has its headquarters at Rumuodomaya. The original indigenous occupants of the area are the Ikwerre People
Population of the Study
The population of the study is not known. Thus, it comprised of all betting youths in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, both males and female who engage in any form of football betting formed the targeted population of this study.
Sample Size and Sampling Technique
Sample size of 400 was adopted. To determine the sample size for the study, the convenience sampling technique was used. The reason is because since the population of football betting youths is not known in Obio Akpor LGA, the researcher used the numbers of respondents that could be easily accessed and reached. The convenience sampling technique again was used to select five communities given the availability of time and resources to represent the entire communities where betting are done. These zones are Elimgbu, Rumuolumeni, Choba, Rumuodumaya and Rumuokoro. After this, purposive sampling technique was used to identify 4 betting centers in each zone, having 20 betting centres Furthermore, the researcher allocated 80 samples to each zone and each betting unit had 20 samples using purposive sampling.
Types of Data and Instrument for Data Collection
The researcher utilized the integration of both primary and secondary data. The primary data invoived the use of questionnaire. As for the secondary data, it adopted the use of published and unpublished material. As for the questionnaire instrument which is a form of primary data, a self-designed instrument titled Football Betting and Depression Questionnaire (FBDQ) were used as instruments for data collection. The instruments was segmented into two sections, such as A and B. The section A is known as Socio-demographic data, it was used for the collection of personal information from the respondents like location, gender, socio-economic background, age and class. Section B consisted of items that elicit responses from the respondents based on their feelings and opinions given the variables of the study. The section B of the instrument patterned alongside the Likert scale. All the items responded to a 4-points modified Likert scale of Strongly Agreed (SA) = 4, Agreed (A) = 3, Disagreed (D) = 2, and Strongly Disagreed (SD) = 1, respectively.
Validity of the Instruments for Data Collection
The content validity was used. To achieve this, the researcher submitted the designed instrument to the supervisor and two other experts in Department of Sociology for content validity. The experts will vet and make corrections were necessary. These corrections were incorporated in structuring the final draft of the instruments. The instrument therefore adjudged reliable to be used.
Reliability of the Instruments for Data Collection
To determine the reliability of the instrument, a test-retest technique was used. The researcher visited and administered the same instrument to a sample of 40 football betting youths in Ikwerre local government area, Rivers State which was outside the sample of the study at two weeks interval. The 40 respondents represent 10 percent of total sample size which is standard in research agendum (Wilson, 2020). A reliability coefficient above 0.80 was obtained as the data was subjected to Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient.
Method of Data Collection
The researcher visited the sampled betting centres in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area that were used for the study and administered the 400 copies of the questionnaire to the respondents (football betting youths). The researcher also sought the services of research assistance for distribution of questionnaire and its retrieval. The essence of this was to ensure high percentage return. The researcher at each occasion explained the purpose of the study, the content of the questionnaire and mode of completion to the respondents.
Methods of Data Analysis
Various statistical tools were adopted to analyze the data. The charts, mean () and and independent T-test were used for analysis. The researcher used these tools in different ways. First, the bio-data was used to analyze the socio-demographic characteristics. The mean () was used as statistical tools to answer the research questions. Finally, the independent t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance.
Data Presentation and Analysis
Research Question One: How do the trends of football betting affect the change in appetite of youths who engage in this game in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State?
Table 1: Showing statistical scores for how the trends of football betting among football betting youths affect the change in appetite of youths who engage in this game
S/N
Items
SA(4)
A(3)
D(2)
SD(1)
Mean
Dec
1
I often engage in football betting
150
160
50
40
3.50
A
2
Correct Score is one of the games introduced
174
160
36
30
3.72
SA
3
Football betting has become more popular among youths in recent years
142
170
48
40
3.32
A
4
Do you accept that some betting youths plays double chance
140
175
65
20
3.52
SA
5
Do you agree most youths bet on Virtual football and Motorcycle Racing
192
150
45
13
3.51
SA
Source: Fieldwork, 2023.
The above table shows statistical score for how the trends of football betting among football betting youths affect the change in appetite of youths who engage in this game in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State. First, item 1 on often engagement in football betting had the mean score of 3.50. Secondly, item 2 on correct score is one of the games introduced had a mean score of 3.72. Also, item 3 on football betting has become more popular among youths in recent years had a mean score of 3.32. Item 4 that that some betting youths plays double chance had a mean score of 3.52. Finally, item 5 on mean score of 3.5. With the homogeneity in the result, it implies that all the items support they are the trends of football betting youths that affect the change in appetite of youths who engage in this game in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Test of Hypothesis
Ho1 The more the youths involves themselves in football betting and also becomes unsuccessful in the game, the more they become depress in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State
Table 1: T–Test analysis for youths football betting, becoming unsuccessful in the game, and becoming depress
Variable
Mean
SD
Standard error
DF
Calculated T-value
Critical T-value
Remark
1. I felt emotionally depressed whenever I lose a bet.
3.51
.88
.02526
398
7.453
1.064
Sig.
2. My family always see me as not responsible due to my habit of betting
3.50
.76
.05104
Source: Research Fieldwork (2023).
Two items were selected to test the hypothesis. First item specified emotionally depressed whenever I lose a bet and the second was my family always see me as not responsible due to my habit of betting. The table shows that the calculated t-value is 7.453, while the critical t-value is 1.064 at 0.05 level of significant and at 398 degree of freedom. Since the calculated T-value is greater than the critical t-value at 0.05 level of significance, the result shows that the alternate hypothesis is accepted. This means that the more the youths involves themselves in football betting and also becomes unsuccessful in the game, the more they become depress in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Discussion of Findings
Trends of Football Betting among Football Betting Youths
The study was able to find the trends of football betting among football betting youths in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State. First of all, it was found that most youths often engage in football betting, and they usually play correct score which is one of the games introduced in football betting. Again, football betting has become more popular among youths in recent years and some betting youths play double chance as well as bet on Virtual football and Motorcycle Racing. All these trends and others are football betting that in one way or the other affected youths by making them depressed. Despite all this, study by Sen (2016) revealed that there are increasing Popularity of Football betting and this has experienced significant growth in popularity over the years. The ease of online betting platforms and the widespread availability of mobile apps have contributed to this trend. Also, he added that football is a globally popular sport, and as a result, football betting has a wide international reach as major football events like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League attract a substantial amount of betting activity. Chuks (2019) who looked at trends in football betting presented that there has been a rise in in-play or live betting. This allows bettors to place wagers during a match, taking advantage of real-time events and changing odds. In-play betting offers an interactive and dynamic experience for football bettors. More importantly was the mobile betting; this technology has revolutionized the way people bet on football. With the availability of dedicated betting apps, users can easily place bets from their smartphones or tablets, making it convenient and accessible.
Summary of the Findings
The result showed the trends of football betting include correct score, more popular of betting, plays double chance, and virtual football and motorcycle racing, thus, that it has adverse effect that prompt change in appetite of youths who engage in this game in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Summary and Conclusion
The study investigated how the trends of football betting affect change in the appetite of youths who engage in this game in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State. The study carefully considered how the the fact that football betting is becoming a disturbing trend following the psychosocial issues arising from such activity in Obio-Akpor and other areas. Thus, the scope of the study was delimited into geographical scope which covers the study within Obio/Akpor Local Government Area Rivers State, while the unit of analysis will be selected football betting youths in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State; and the content scope, addressing the issue football betting and depression. In the same line, the study operationalized some concepts vital concepts that relate to the study such as football betting, betting, depression, etc. Methodologically, the study adopted a correlation research design as it helps to employ the use of quantitative research approach (questionnaire) to get the view of the sample respondents. The sample size of 400 was used determined through convenience sampling technique. The research instrument used was questionnaire. The validity of the instrument was content validity, the help of my supervisor and two other experts were given a draft to effect corrections. The method of data analysis included the following: chart, mean and T-test. The study has been able to explain the issue of football betting and depression among youths. Depression is not a positive concept and that necessitated the study findings with the intent to give some justifiable recommendations. While some people engage in sports betting without any notable at-risk behaviours, for others it can become a dangerous addiction and trigger depressive symptoms. Left untreated, sports betting addiction can have many negative social, psychological and physical repercussions. These include relationship conflict and breakdown; debt, financial problems and bankruptcy; work issues and job loss; stress, anxiety and depression; and insomnia, lack of appetite and stomach problems. In extreme cases it can lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Recommendations
It may not be easy for youths to completely avoid various aspect of betting as new ones keeps unfolding without considering its implications, there should be need for total abstinence. Secondly in situation where it becomes difficult to abstain, the youths should conduct thorough research and analysis. This is because successful betting requires knowledge and understanding of the teams, players, and various factors that can influence match outcomes. Before placing a bet, invest time in researching team form, injury news, head-to-head records, home and away performances, and other relevant statistics. Relying on informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information can help you.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental health condition that affects individuals who have experienced traumatic events, often leading to long-term psychological, emotional, and physical challenges. This study investigates the impact of counseling on the treatment of PTSD, exploring how different therapeutic approaches contribute to symptom reduction and overall well-being. A mixed-methods approach, including quantitative symptom assessment and qualitative interviews, was used to evaluate the effectiveness of counseling interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and supportive counseling. The findings suggest that counseling significantly improves PTSD symptoms, including reductions in anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional distress. Moreover, counseling enhances coping mechanisms and emotional resilience, leading to improved quality
Posttraumatic stress disorder has been a known diagnosis in psychology for many years. It was during and after World War I that instances of “shellshock” or “combat fatigue” were first becoming prevalent. By World War II, it was noted many gains in therapy made during the past decades or so seemed to evaporate in a haze of PTSD. Since then, wars in many parts of the world have exposed many more soldiers to things no human should have to see. However, several factors have kept PTSD on the back burner until recent years. It was commonly referred to as many different things and considered one of the “lesser” disorders. PTSD is a modern disorder, in that it is a signature disorder of the modern era.
This paper examined the impact of counseling in treating post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The overall objective was to determine how effective counseling can be in helping those who are experiencing or looking to recover from the trauma of PTSD. A brief discussion of PTSD is presented to help in the understanding of the subject matter, and it will be discovered how PTSD can be treated by
counseling.
1.1. BACKGROUND OF PTSD
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV), a manual used by psychiatrists and psychologists to diagnose and classify presenting mental disorders, defines post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a severe anxiety paradigm that develops after exposure to a traumatic event. Exposure can include events such as war experience, interpersonal violence, childhood abuse, natural disasters, and even exposure to terrorist incidents. The symptoms generally involve re-experience of the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders, emotional numbing, and hyperarousal. Almost anyone exposed to a life-threatening event could develop PTSD, but it is well recognized that some people are more prone to developing it. Some of these risk factors include being female, having a lower level of education, being a member of a minority group, and the loss of a significant other. However, some protective factors have also been identified. These include better functional adaptation, being optimistic, having better social support, having higher levels of education, and being employed. Drug, as well as psychosocial treatments such as counseling, are widely used to treat PTSD.
1.2 IMPORTANCE OF COUNSELING IN PTSD TREATMENT
Counseling plays a crucial role in addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by providing individuals with a safe and supportive environment to process their experiences, learn coping strategies, and work towards healing and recovery. Here are several key reasons why counseling is essential in the treatment of PTSD:
1.2.1 Trauma-Informed Care: Counselors trained in trauma-informed approaches understand the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to PTSD. They can provide specialized care that acknowledges the impact of trauma on an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
1.2.2 Emotional Regulation: Counseling helps individuals learn healthy ways to regulate their emotions, reducing symptoms of hyperarousal and emotional dysregulation commonly associated with PTSD. Through techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and emotion- focused therapy, individuals can develop skills to manage distressing emotions more effectively.
1.2.3 Trauma Processing: Counseling provides a structured framework for individuals to explore and process traumatic memories in a controlled and supportive manner. Therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure therapy help individuals confront and reframe distressing thoughts and memories, reducing their intensity and emotional impact over time.
1.2.4 Cognitive Restructuring: PTSD often involves distorted beliefs about oneself, others, and the world, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness. Counseling helps individuals identify and challenge these negative beliefs, replacing them with more adaptive and realistic perspectives. Cognitive restructuring techniques empower individuals to regain a sense of control over their thoughts and emotions.
1.2.5 Skill-Building: Counseling equips individuals with practical coping skills and strategies to manage PTSD symptoms in their daily lives. These may include problem-solving skills, communication techniques, assertiveness training, and stress management techniques. By enhancing coping resources, individuals can navigate triggers and stressors more effectively, reducing the impact of PTSD on their functioning.
1.2.6 Support and Validation: Counseling provides a nonjudgmental and empathetic space for individuals to express their feelings, fears, and experiences without fear of stigma or rejection. The therapeutic relationship between counselor and client serves as a source of validation, support, and encouragement, fostering a sense of safety and trust necessary for healing.
1.2.7 Prevention of Secondary Complications: Untreated PTSD can lead to a range of secondary complications, including depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and relationship problems. Counseling interventions aim to mitigate these risks by addressing underlying trauma-related issues and promoting resilience and adaptive coping.
counseling offers a holistic and integrative approach to addressing the complex and multifaceted nature of PTSD. By combining evidence- based interventions with empathy, understanding, and collaboration, counselors play a vital role in supporting individuals affected by trauma on their journey towards healing, recovery, and resilience.
UNDERSTANDING PTSD
DEFINITION AND SYMTOMS OF PTSD
2.1.1 Definition:
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5; American Psychological Association, 2013) defines post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a mental health disorder that occurs following a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event, flashbacks, nightmares, and intense psychological distress and physical reactivity upon exposure to reminders of the trauma. Following the traumatic event, an individual with PTSD will often make effortful attempts to avoid reminders of the trauma, resulting in unhealthy behavior patterns and negative coping mechanisms. Most concerning, PTSD is inherently characterized by severe arousal.
2.2 Symptoms of PTSD:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) manifests through a variety of signs and symptoms that can significantly impact an individual’s daily functioning and overall well-being. These symptoms typically develop after exposure to a traumatic event and can persist for months or even years. Here are some common signs and symptoms of PTSD:
2.2.1 Intrusive Thoughts: Individuals may experience recurrent, distressing memories of the traumatic event. These memories may be accompanied by vivid flashbacks or nightmares, causing significant psychological distress.
2.2.2 Avoidance Behaviors: People with PTSD often go to great lengths to avoid reminders of the traumatic event. This may include avoiding certain places, activities, or people associated with the trauma, as well as avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the event.
2.2.3 Negative Alterations in Mood and Cognition: PTSD can lead to persistent negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world. Individuals may experience feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame, as well as a diminished interest in activities they once enjoyed. They may also have difficulty remembering key aspects of the traumatic event or experience distorted beliefs about its meaning.
2.2.4 Hyperarousal Symptoms: Individuals with PTSD may exhibit heightened levels of arousal or reactivity. This can manifest as hypervigilance, exaggerated startle responses, difficulty concentrating, irritability, or problems with sleep, such as insomnia or restless sleep.
2.2.5 Emotional Numbing: Some individuals may experience a numbing of emotions, wherein they feel detached or estranged from others. They may have difficulty experiencing positive emotions or maintaining close relationships, leading to social withdrawal or isolation.
2.2.6 Physical Symptoms: PTSD can also manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or chronic pain. These symptoms may not have an apparent medical cause but can be linked to the individual’s psychological distress.
2.2.7 Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity: Hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and irritability or outbursts of anger.
though it is not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD, and the severity and duration of symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Additionally, symptoms may fluctuate over time, worsening during times of stress or when triggered by reminders of the trauma.
2.3 CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop as a result of exposure to a traumatic event. While not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, certain factors can increase the risk of developing the disorder. Here are some common causes and risk factors associated with PTSD:
2.3.1 Experiencing Trauma: The primary cause of PTSD is exposure to a traumatic event. This can include direct experience of trauma, witnessing a traumatic event, or learning about a traumatic event happening to a loved one. Examples of traumatic events include combat exposure, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, accidents, or life-threatening medical diagnoses.
2.3.2 Severity and Duration of Trauma: The severity and duration of the traumatic event can influence the likelihood of developing PTSD. Traumatic experiences that are particularly severe, prolonged, or life- threatening are more likely to result in PTSD.
2.3.3 Pre-existing Vulnerabilities: Certain individual factors may increase susceptibility to PTSD. This includes a history of previous trauma or adverse childhood experiences, genetic predisposition to anxiety or mood disorders, personality traits such as high neuroticism or low resilience, and a family history of mental health conditions.
2.3.4 Biological Factors: Biological factors, such as alterations in brain structure and function, neurotransmitter imbalances, and dysregulation of the stress response system (e.g., hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis), may contribute to the development and maintenance of PTSD symptoms.
2.3.5 Psychological Factors: Psychological factors, including cognitive processes, coping styles, and beliefs about oneself and the world, can influence the risk of PTSD. Negative appraisals of the trauma, feelings of guilt or shame, and maladaptive coping strategies (e.g., avoidance, substance use) may exacerbate symptoms.
2.3.6 Social Support: Adequate social support following a traumatic event can serve as a protective factor against the development of PTSD. Conversely, perceived lack of social support, social isolation, or interpersonal conflicts may increase vulnerability to PTSD.
2.3.7 Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, such as ongoing stressors, socioeconomic disadvantage, limited access to mental health care, and exposure to secondary stressors (e.g., discrimination, financial strain), can exacerbate PTSD symptoms or impede recovery.
the presence of risk factors does not guarantee the development of PTSD, and resilience factors (e.g., coping skills, social support, access to mental health care) can mitigate the impact of trauma and promote resilience. Additionally, PTSD is a complex and multifaceted disorder influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.
TYPES OF COUNSELING FOR PTSD
Counseling for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) encompasses various therapeutic approaches tailored to the unique needs and preferences of individuals affected by trauma.
3.1 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely researched and empirically supported treatments for PTSD (American Psychological Association, 2017). CBT focuses on identifying and challenging maladaptive thoughts and behaviors related to the traumatic event, as well as developing coping skills to manage distressing emotions and symptoms. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and behavioral activation are commonly used in CBT for PTSD (Resick et al., 2008).
3.2 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized form of therapy that integrates elements of cognitive therapy with bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tactile taps, to facilitate the processing and desensitization of traumatic memories (Shapiro, 2001). EMDR aims to help clients reprocess distressing memories and associated beliefs, reducing their emotional intensity and promoting adaptive resolution.
3.3 Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE):
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) is a structured and evidence-based therapy for PTSD that involves gradual and systematic exposure to trauma-related memories, situations, and cues in a safe and controlled environment (Foa et al., 2007). Through repeated exposure, clients learn to confront and process traumatic memories without experiencing overwhelming distress, leading to habituation and symptom reduction over time.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Processing Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence- based therapy that integrates elements of cognitive- behavioral, exposure- based, and trauma-focused interventions to address PTSD symptoms in children and adolescents (Cohen et al., 2006). TF-CBT emphasizes psychoeducation, skill-building, and gradual exposure to trauma-related material within a supportive and validating therapeutic relationship.
3.5 Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET):**
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) is a narrative-based therapy that aims to help individuals construct coherent and integrated narratives of their traumatic experiences (Schauer et al., 2011). Through guided storytelling and emotional processing, clients gradually integrate fragmented memories into a cohesive narrative, fostering a sense of mastery and meaning-making in relation to their trauma.
3.6 Mindfulness-Based Interventions:
Mindfulness-based interventions, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), have shown promise in augmenting traditional PTSD treatments by promoting present-moment awareness and acceptance of difficult thoughts and emotions (Kearney et al., 2013). These techniques help clients develop nonjudgmental awareness of their experiences, reducing reactivity to trauma-related triggers and enhancing emotional regulation.
counseling techniques play a critical role in the treatment of PTSD by providing individuals with effective tools to process trauma, manage symptoms, and promote recovery. By integrating evidence-based approaches such as CBT, EMDR, PE, mindfulness, TF-CBT, and NET, counselors can offer comprehensive and personalized care that addresses the unique needs of clients affected by trauma.
EFFECTIVENESS OF COUNSELLING IN TREATING PTSD
Counseling is widely recognized as an effective treatment for Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with numerous studies supporting its efficacy in reducing symptoms and improving overall functioning in individuals affected by trauma. Here’s an overview of the effectiveness of counseling in treating PTSD, supported by citations and references:
4.1 Evidence-Based Therapies: Several counseling approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and Trauma- Focused Cognitive Processing Therapy (TF-CBT), have been extensively researched and shown to be effective in treating PTSD (American Psychological Association, 2017).
4.2 Symptom Reduction: Counseling interventions for PTSD have been associated with significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, negative alterations in mood and cognition, and alterations in arousal and reactivity (Bradley et al., 2005).
4.3 Improvement in Functioning: Counseling has been shown to improve overall functioning and quality of life in individuals with PTSD, including improvements in social relationships, occupational functioning, and psychological well-being (Courtois & Ford, 2013).
4.4 Long-Term Benefits: Research suggests that the benefits of counseling for PTSD are often maintained over time, with many individuals experiencing sustained symptom relief and functional improvement months or even years after completing therapy (Resick et al., 2008).
4.5 Effectiveness Across Populations: Counseling interventions for PTSD have been found to be effective across diverse populations, including military veterans, survivors of interpersonal violence, refugees, and individuals from various cultural backgrounds (Sue & Sue, 2015).
THE ROLE OF A COUNSELOR IN TREATING PTSD
Counselors play a vital role in the comprehensive treatment of Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), offering individuals affected by trauma a supportive and therapeutic environment to address their symptoms, process traumatic experiences, and promote healing and recovery. This section explores the multifaceted role of counselors in the treatment of PTSD, highlighting their responsibilities, therapeutic approaches, and the importance of the therapeutic relationship.
5.1 Assessment and Diagnosis:
Counselors are trained to conduct comprehensive assessments to determine the presence and severity of PTSD symptoms. Through structured interviews, self-report measures, and clinical observation, counselors can establish a diagnosis and develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to the unique needs of each client (American Counseling Association, 2014).
5.2 Psychoeducation:
Counselors provide clients with psychoeducation about PTSD, helping them understand the nature of the disorder, common symptoms, and available treatment options. Psychoeducation empowers clients to make informed decisions about their care, reduces feelings of shame or self- blame, and fosters a sense of hope and agency in the recovery process (Courtois & Ford, 2013).
5.3 Trauma-Focused Therapy:
Counselors employ evidence-based trauma-focused therapy modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and prolonged exposure therapy, to address PTSD symptoms (American Psychological Association, 2017). These therapies help clients process traumatic memories, challenge maladaptive beliefs, and develop coping skills to manage distressing emotions and triggers.
5.4 Creating a Safe Therapeutic Environment:
Counselors prioritize creating a safe and trusting therapeutic environment where clients feel validated, respected, and supported. This environment encourages open communication, exploration of difficult emotions, and collaboration in the therapeutic process. By fostering a sense of safety, counselors help clients feel empowered to confront their trauma and work towards healing (Herman, 1992).
5.5 Crisis Intervention and Safety Planning:
Counselors are trained to provide crisis intervention and develop safety plans for clients experiencing acute distress or suicidal ideation. They offer immediate support, assess risk factors, and collaborate with clients to identify coping strategies and resources to manage crises effectively (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2018).
5.6 Collaboration and Referral:
Counselors collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and social workers, to ensure comprehensive care for clients with PTSD. They may also facilitate referrals to specialized treatment programs, support groups, or community resources to address clients’ holistic needs (American Counseling Association, 2014).
5.7 Empowerment and Advocacy:
Counselors empower clients to advocate for themselves and access appropriate services and support systems. They validate clients’ experiences, validate their strengths and resilience, and help them navigate systemic barriers to care. By advocating for clients’ rights and needs, counselors promote empowerment and self-advocacy in the recovery process (Sue & Sue, 2015).
In conclusion, counselors play a pivotal role in the treatment of PTSD, providing compassionate, evidence-based care that addresses the complex needs of individuals affected by trauma. Through assessment, psychoeducation, trauma-focused therapy, and advocacy, counselors support clients on their journey towards healing, recovery, and resilience.
CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS IN COUNSELING FOR PTSD
While counseling is an essential component in the treatment of Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it also faces various challenges and limitations that can impact the effectiveness of interventions and the therapeutic outcomes for individuals affected by trauma. This section explores some of the key challenges and limitations encountered in counseling for PTSD, drawing from empirical research and clinical literature.
6.1 Treatment Engagement and Retention:
Engaging individuals with PTSD in counseling can be challenging due to barriers such as stigma, shame, and avoidance behaviors (Hoge et al., 2004). Additionally, maintaining consistent attendance and adherence to treatment protocols may be difficult, particularly for individuals experiencing symptoms of emotional numbing or hypervigilance.
6.2 Comorbidity and Complexity:
PTSD often co-occurs with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse, which can complicate treatment outcomes (Kessler et al., 2005). Addressing comorbid conditions requires a multidisciplinary approach and may necessitate longer- term or more intensive interventions.
6.3 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity:
Counseling approaches must be culturally sensitive and tailored to the diverse needs and backgrounds of clients with PTSD (Sue & Sue, 2015). Language barriers, cultural differences in help-seeking behaviors, and mistrust of mental health systems can hinder access to and engagement with counseling services among culturally diverse populations.
6.4 Limited Access to Specialized Care:
Access to specialized trauma-focused therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), may be limited in certain geographic areas or healthcare settings (American Psychological Association, 2017). Long wait times, insurance constraints, and resource shortages can delay access to evidence-based treatments for individuals with PTSD.
6.5 Therapist Competence and Training:
Ensuring that counselors have adequate training and supervision in trauma-informed care is essential for providing effective treatment for PTSD (Courtois & Ford, 2013). However, not all counselors may have specialized training in trauma-focused interventions, leading to variations in treatment quality and outcomes.
6.6 Resistance and Avoidance:
Individuals with PTSD may exhibit resistance or avoidance behaviors in therapy, particularly when confronted with traumatic memories or emotions (Resick et al., 2008). Overcoming resistance and fostering engagement requires patience, empathy, and a collaborative therapeutic approach.
6.7 Limited Generalizability of Research Findings:
While numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of trauma- focused therapies for PTSD, the generalizability of these findings to real-world clinical settings may be limited (Bradley et al., 2005). Factors such as sample heterogeneity, treatment fidelity, and external validity can influence the applicability of research findings to diverse populations and contexts.
In conclusion, while counseling is a vital component in the treatment of PTSD, it faces several challenges and limitations that can impact its effectiveness and accessibility. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that addresses systemic barriers, enhances therapist training and competence, promotes cultural humility and diversity, and fosters innovation in treatment delivery and implementation.
INNOVATION AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN COUNSELING FOR TREATING PTSD
Innovations and future directions in counseling for treating Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are essential for advancing the field and improving outcomes for individuals affected by trauma. Here are some emerging trends and potential innovations in PTSD counseling, supported by citations and references:
7.1 Technology-Assisted Interventions:** The use of technology, such as teletherapy, virtual reality (VR), and mobile applications, shows promise in expanding access to PTSD counseling and delivering evidence-based interventions in novel ways (Rizzo et al., 2019). Virtual reality exposure therapy, in particular, allows individuals to engage in immersive and realistic simulations of trauma-related scenarios, providing a safe and controlled environment for therapeutic exposure and desensitization.
7.2 Culturally Tailored Interventions: Culturally tailored counseling interventions acknowledge the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and needs of individuals with PTSD, incorporating cultural values, beliefs, and practices into treatment approaches (Hinton et al., 2013). Culturally competent counseling promotes trust, engagement, and relevance for clients from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds, enhancing treatment effectiveness.
7.3 Integrated Care Models: Integrated care models, which involve collaboration between mental health providers, primary care physicians, and other healthcare professionals, aim to address the complex needs of individuals with PTSD by offering comprehensive and coordinated services (Zatzick et al., 2019). These models emphasize a holistic approach to treatment, addressing both mental and physical health concerns within the same care setting.
7.4 Community-Based Interventions: Community-based counseling interventions involve delivering PTSD treatment in community settings, such as schools, workplaces, faith-based organizations, or community centers, to increase accessibility and engagement (Price et al., 2013). By bringing services to where individuals live, work, and socialize, community-based interventions reduce barriers to care and promote early intervention and prevention efforts.
7.5 Transdiagnostic Approaches: Transdiagnostic approaches to counseling for PTSD recognize the overlap and comorbidity of PTSD with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders (Norrholm & Jovanovic, 2018). By targeting underlying transdiagnostic processes, such as emotion dysregulation or negative cognitive schemas, these interventions offer a more efficient and flexible approach to treatment.
innovations and future directions in counseling for treating PTSD hold the potential to enhance accessibility, effectiveness, and relevance of interventions for individuals affected by trauma.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, counseling is an effective and evidence-based treatment for PTSD, offering individuals affected by trauma a range of therapeutic approaches to address their symptoms, promote healing, and enhance resilience. By providing a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment, counselors play a vital role in supporting individuals on their journey towards recovery and well-being.
The conclusion of the paper on counseling for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) highlights the effectiveness of counseling interventions in addressing the complex needs of individuals affected by trauma. Counseling approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Processing Therapy (TF-CBT), and Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) have demonstrated efficacy in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall functioning.
Moreover, the paper emphasizes the importance of ongoing innovation and future directions in PTSD counseling, including the integration of technology-assisted interventions, culturally tailored approaches, integrated care models, community-based interventions, and transdiagnostic frameworks. These innovations aim to enhance accessibility, effectiveness, and relevance of PTSD treatment, while also addressing the diverse needs and preferences of individuals from various cultural, social, and demographic backgrounds.
By embracing these advancements and adopting a holistic and client- centered approach to treatment, counselors can continue to play a pivotal role in supporting individuals on their journey towards healing, recovery, and resilience in the aftermath of trauma.
Overall, the paper underscores the significance of counseling as a cornerstone of PTSD treatment, while also highlighting the need for ongoing research, collaboration, and innovation to further advance the field and improve outcomes for individuals affected by trauma.
SUMMARY
summary of the key points discussed in the paper on counseling for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
10.1. Definition of PTSD: PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can develop in individuals following exposure to a traumatic event. It is characterized by a range of symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, negative alterations in mood and cognition, and alterations in arousal and reactivity.
10.2. Effectiveness of Counseling: Counseling interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Processing Therapy (TF-CBT), and Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), have demonstrated efficacy in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall functioning.
10.3. Challenges and Limitations: Despite its effectiveness, counseling for PTSD faces challenges such as treatment engagement and retention, comorbidity and complexity, cultural and linguistic diversity, limited access to specialized care, therapist competence and training, resistance and avoidance, and limited generalizability of research findings.
10.4. Innovations and Future Directions: Emerging trends and innovations in PTSD counseling include technology-assisted interventions, culturally tailored approaches, integrated care models, community-based interventions, and transdiagnostic frameworks. These innovations aim to enhance accessibility, effectiveness, and relevance of PTSD treatment.
Counseling plays a pivotal role in the treatment of PTSD, offering individuals affected by trauma a range of therapeutic approaches to address their symptoms, promote healing, and enhance resilience. Ongoing research, collaboration, and innovation are essential for advancing the field and improving outcomes for individuals affected by trauma.
Overall, the paper emphasizes the importance of counseling as a cornerstone of PTSD treatment while also highlighting the need for ongoing innovation and future directions to further enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of PTSD counseling interventions.
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Gunadarma University, Faculty of Psychology, Jl. TB Simatupang Pasar Minggu, Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia
ABSTRACT
Employees who work in a company are expected to know well the core values, culture and goals of the organization, so that employees can get to know the company where they work well. However, outsourcing employees who basically come from service providers outside the company do not know about this. Therefore it is difficult for outsourcing employees to grow their work loyalty to the company where they work. Meanwhile, loyal employees are related to the goals, objectives, culture and values of the organization. Employee loyalty can go up and down, one of which is due to job satisfaction factors. Job satisfaction felt by employees can increase employee work loyalty. Therefore, we need a motivator in the form of meeting physical and non-physical needs. This need is an encouragement or motivation for employees to work in a company. This study aims to determine the effect of job satisfaction and work motivation on work loyalty of outsourcing employees. This study uses a quantitative approach with research participants totaling 100 outsourcing employees obtained through sampling techniques. The analysis method used is simple and multiple regression. Based on the data analysis that has been done, it is known that there is an effect of job satisfaction on work loyalty of outsourcing employees by 54.3%, there is an effect of work motivation on work loyalty of outsourcing employees by 47.1% and there is an effect of job satisfaction and work motivation which together affect work loyalty of outsourcing employees by 25.7%, the remaining is influenced by other factors outside the research.
Keywords: Job Satisfaction, Work Motivation, Work Loyalty, Outsourcing
Products and services that have quality will certainly be able to compete globally to improve their competitive position in the increasingly global market. Companies can save costs and maintain quality by relying more on external service providers for activities that are seen as complementary to their core business. This is related to outsourcing which functions as a partnership to improve the company’s business (Elmuti., Grunewald., & Abebe, 2010).
One of the complementary activities to improve the company’s business is recruitment. Every prospective employee who is accepted feels unclear about their employment status, namely outsourcing employees or permanent employees. Employee status is a condition that distinguishes one employee from another in the company. Employment status is a person’s position in doing work, namely whether the person’s position is as a laborer or employee. The status of outsourcing employees is included in non-permanent employees and their employment status is included in outsourcing employees (Barthos, 2001).
Outsourcing is the delegation of daily operations and management of a business process to an external party (an outsourcing service provider). Through delegation, management is no longer carried out by the company, but is delegated to the outsourcing service company (Soewondo, 2004). In addition, according to Wahyuningtyas & Utami (2018) Outsourcing is an effort to obtain skilled workers and reduce the burden and costs of the company in improving the company’s performance so that it can continue to be competitive in facing global economic and technological developments by handing over the company’s activities to other parties.
The handover of HR activities to outsourcing services is widely used by organizations around the world, because it is considered profitable. As is the case in the telecommunications industry of Pakistan. In the telecommunications sector of Pakistan, external recruitment companies or so-called outsourcing are known to have high work loyalty. Although they do not know the core values, culture, and goals of the organization well, employees are still able to grow their work loyalty. Employees can quickly adapt to their work environment because a comfortable work environment is created so that employees feel at home and are willing to stay in the company as long as they are still needed by the company. Work loyalty is related to the goals, objectives, culture, and values of the organization. Employees are able to know and adapt to this after they have been in an organization for a long time (Jamil & Naeem, 2013).
According to Flippo (2013) Work loyalty itself is the determination and ability to obey, carry out and practice something that is obeyed with full awareness and responsibility. Robbins (2006) defines loyalty as the willingness to protect and save oneself. While Hasibuan (2002) describes loyalty as loyalty reflected by the willingness of employees to maintain and defend the organization inside and outside of work.
Work loyalty is fundamental to the industry because loyal employees will provide high work results along with work efficiency (Elmuti, Grunewald, & Abebe, 2010). Companies that fail to create strategic HR practices can lose valuable employees due to lack of employee loyalty to the company (Meyer & Allen, 1997). Through outsourcing, companies generate profits through HR which is the company’s most valuable asset. While HR itself will feel disadvantaged, so that employees are unable to grow their loyalty in working in the company where they work (Jamil & Naeem, 2013).
Employee loyalty in an organization is absolutely necessary for the success of the organization itself, one of the factors that causes employee work loyalty to increase or decrease is job satisfaction (Citra. L.M., & Fahmi. M, 2019). According to Colquitt, LePine, & Wesson (2012) Job satisfaction is a level of pleasant feeling obtained from the assessment of one’s work or work experience. In addition, according to Mathis and Jackson (2000) job satisfaction is a positive emotional state resulting from the evaluation of work experiences carried out by an individual.
Achieving employee job satisfaction will increase employee work loyalty. Job satisfaction expresses a number of conformities between a person’s expectations about his/her work, which can be in the form of work performance given by the company and the rewards given for his/her work. In essence, a person is encouraged to be active because he/she hopes that it will bring a better and more satisfying situation than the current situation. So working is a form of activity that aims to obtain job satisfaction (Mathis and Jackson, 2000).
Job satisfaction can be seen from employees who feel happy with their work. They will give more attention, imagination and skills in their work. Therefore, a motivator is needed for employees, namely providing physical and non-physical needs. These needs are an encouragement for employees in carrying out activities in a company. This encouragement is called work motivation (Arianty, Bahagia, Lubis, & Siswadi, 2016).
According to Vroom (in Setiawan, 2015) work motivation is how much effort is made to achieve certain results or rewards. Meanwhile, according to Purnama (2008), work motivation is the entire process of providing work motivation to subordinates in such a way that they are willing to work sincerely in order to achieve organizational goals efficiently and economically.
Based on the results of research conducted by Jamil & Naeem (2013) showed that work loyalty has an impact on outsourcing employees. This means that work loyalty that grows in each individual does not depend on the status of the employee, whether permanent or outsourcing. Employee loyalty that grows in the outsourcing company has a positive impact on employee engagement, employees have a sense of attachment to the organization or company where the employee works. In addition, research conducted by Wibowo & Sutanto (2013) also stated that the results of the study showed that there was an influence of job satisfaction and work motivation on employee loyalty in the sales department where if the work motivation of employees in the sales department increased, then the loyalty of employees in the sales department would increase. The regression results also showed that employee loyalty CV. Pratama Jaya was influenced by job satisfaction and work motivation, which was 66.7%. Another study conducted by Thanos, Pangemanan, and Rumokoy (2015) also stated that work motivation and job satisfaction had a significant partial effect on employee loyalty at PT Kimia Farma Apotek.
Based on the explanation that has been presented previously, the hypothesis that can be developed in this study are:
H1: job satisfaction and work motivation affect work loyalty in outsourcing employees;
H2: job satisfaction affects work loyalty in outsourcing employees;
H3: work motivation affects work loyalty in outsourcing employees.
RESEARCH METHODS
The population in this study were outsourcing employees and had the following characteristics: outsourcing employees, had worked for 6 months to 3 or more, because it is expected that during this period of work, real behavior can be seen which is reflected as an action of their loyalty in working for the company where the outsourcing employee works.
The sample (subject) of the study consisted of 100 outsourcing employees who had the same characteristics as the population. Sampling was carried out using non-probability sampling techniques and with purposive sampling types. The answer choices on each scale range from 1 – 6 ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree.
Job satisfaction in this study can be seen through the scores obtained in the job satisfaction scale according to Spector, (1994) namely aspects of salary, promotion, superiors, benefits, non-material rewards, working conditions, coworkers, nature of work, and communication. This measuring instrument contains 36 items divided into 17 favorable items and 19 unfavorable items. One example of an item in the job satisfaction scale is “I feel paid a fair amount for the work I do”. Based on the results of the analysis of the reliability test of the job satisfaction scale, a Cronbach alpha of 0.870 was found, which means that the scale is reliable in measuring job satisfaction.
Work motivation in this study can be seen through the scores adapted by researchers from Tremblay, MA, Blanchard, CM, Taylor, S., Villeneuve, M., and Pelletier, LG (2009) which are arranged based on the form of work motivation according to Deci & Ryan (2000) namely amotivation, intrinsic motivation, external regulation, projected, identified, integrated, extrinsic motivation. This measuring instrument contains 18 favorable items. One example of an item in the work motivation scale is “The awards given by the company are appropriate”. Based on the results of the analysis of the reliability test of the work motivation scale, a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.840 was found, which means that the scale is reliable in measuring work motivation.
Work loyalty in this study is known based on the score obtained through the work loyalty measurement scale adapted by Asih (2018) which is compiled based on aspects of work loyalty, namely obeying regulations, being responsible, dedicated and honest in working. This measuring instrument contains 32 items divided into 30 favorable items and 2 unfavorable items. One example of an item in the work loyalty scale is “I like to work hard, am agile and always want to do my best for the company”. Based on the results of the analysis of the reliability test of the work loyalty scale, a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.967 was found, which means that the scale is reliable in measuring work loyalty.
The data processing technique in this study used simple and multiple regression tests.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Based on the results of the reliability test in this study to determine the consistency of the measuring instrument based on items that have been declared to have good discrimination power and proven by the Alpha Cronbach technique with the help of the IBM SPSS Statistic version 23 program. According to Azwar (2012) the reliability coefficient on the scale that shows high consistency and stability of values, namely 0.70 to 1. Based on the results of the reliability test that has been carried out, the scale of job satisfaction, work motivation and work loyalty is known to have good alpha Cronbach reliability test values, this means that the reliability coefficient on the scale as a whole shows high consistency and stability of values. The results of the reliability test on the three variables can be seen in the following table:
Table 1. Reliability Test
Variable
Alpha Cronbach
Result
Job Satisfaction (X1)
0,870
Reliable
Work Motivation (X2)
0,840
Reliable
Work Loyalty (Y)
0.967
Reliable
Based on the results of the study, it is known that the variables of job satisfaction and work motivation have an effect on work loyalty in outsourcing employees. The results of the regression test on the three variables can be seen in the following table:
Table 2. Regression Test
Variable
F
R
R Square
Sig
Job Satisfaction (X1)
117,576
0,739
0,543
0,000
Work Motivation (X2)
87,160
0,686
0,471
0,000
Job Satisfaction (X1) and Work Motivation (X2)
16,773
0,507
0,257
0,000
on Work Loyalty (Y)
Effect of Job Satisfaction on Work Loyalty
Based on the results of data analysis on the job satisfaction variable, the F value is 117.576 and the significance coefficient is 0.000 (p <0.01), meaning that the job satisfaction variable has a very significant effect on work loyalty. The R value on job satisfaction of 0.739 indicates a positive relationship direction and a strong relationship. The R Square value of 0.543 means that job satisfaction affects work loyalty by 54.3%, the remaining 45.7% is influenced by other factors.
These results indicate that the hypothesis that states that there is an effect of job satisfaction on work loyalty in outsourcing employees is accepted. This means that the satisfaction felt by employees in working can increase or decrease their work loyalty to the company. The results of this study are in line with research conducted by Susilowati and Supriyadi (2018) which states that job satisfaction affects work loyalty by 34.3%. The higher the job satisfaction felt by employees, the higher the employee’s work loyalty to the company.
Employees who are satisfied will achieve work loyalty within the company. Job satisfaction is basically something that is individual, while each individual has a different level of satisfaction. In a company, leaders must pay serious attention to the job satisfaction of the employees they lead, because job satisfaction has a chain with the organization’s human resources, organizational performance, and the sustainability of the organization itself (Husni., Musnadi., and Faisal, 2018).
Effect of Work Motivation on Work Loyalty
Based on the results of data analysis on the work motivation variable, the F value is 87.160 and the significance coefficient is 0.000 (p <0.01), meaning that the work motivation variable has a very significant influence on work loyalty. The R value on work motivation of 0.686 indicates a positive relationship direction and a strong relationship. The R Square value of 0.471 means that work motivation affects work loyalty by 47.1%, the remaining 52.9% is influenced by other factors. These results indicate that the hypothesis that there is an influence of work motivation on work loyalty in outsourcing employees is accepted. This means that work loyalty can grow and increase if the motivation felt by employees in working also increases.
The results of this study are in line with research conducted by Swadarma and Netra (2020) which states that there is a positive and significant influence between work motivation and employee loyalty at Rame Cafe Jimbaran of 41.6%. If motivation increases, employee loyalty will increase. High work motivation in employees will make employees work harder in carrying out their work. On the other hand, with low work motivation, employees do not have work enthusiasm, give up easily and have difficulty completing work (Husni., Musnadi., and Faisal, 2018).
The growing employee work motivation can come from themselves or from outside themselves. According to Herzberg (in Robbins & Judge, 2006) stated that basically motivation is divided into two main types, namely, intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is motivation related to themselves to feel satisfied such as achievement, appreciation, responsibility, opportunities to advance, and the work itself. While extrinsic motivation is motivation from outside themselves such as physical working conditions, interpersonal relationships, company policies and administration, supervision, salary, and job security.
Effect of Job Satisfaction and Work Motivation on Work Loyalty
Based on the results of data analysis on the variables of job satisfaction and work motivation, the F value is 16.773 and the significance coefficient is 0.000 (p <0.01), meaning that the variables of job satisfaction and work motivation have a significant influence on work loyalty. The R value on job satisfaction and work motivation of 0.507 indicates a positive relationship direction and a strong relationship. The R square value of job satisfaction and work motivation of 0.257 means that job satisfaction and work motivation together affect work loyalty by 25.7%, the remaining 74.3% is influenced by other factors.
These results indicate that the hypothesis that states that there is an influence of job satisfaction and work motivation on work loyalty in outsourcing employees is accepted. This means that the satisfaction and motivation in working felt by outsourcing employees can foster their work loyalty in their workplace. The results of this study are in line with research conducted by Husni., Musnadi., And Faisal (2018) which states that job satisfaction and work motivation owned by prison employees in Aceh Province have an effect on the emergence of employee work loyalty. In addition, another study conducted by Citra and Fahmi (2019) also stated that job satisfaction and work motivation together have an influence of 73.9%, while the remaining 26.1% of work loyalty is influenced by other variables.
Employee loyalty is a positive employee attitude towards the company where they work. Employees with a high level of loyalty can work not only for themselves but also for the benefit of the company. Therefore, the role and duties of a leader in acting and making decisions are very influential, so that they can be a benchmark for actions and motivation for employees in all forms and positive activities that will later build enthusiasm and job satisfaction and even employee work loyalty itself (Citra and Fahmi, 2019).
Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that job satisfaction influences work loyalty in outsourcing employees by 54.3%, the rest, 45.7% is influenced by other factors outside the study. Furthermore, work motivation influences work loyalty in outsourcing employees by 47.1%, the rest, 52.9% is influenced by other factors outside the study. Thus, job satisfaction and work motivation influence work loyalty in outsourcing employees by 25.7%, the rest, 74.3% is influenced by other factors outside the study.
Based on the results of the study, the following suggestions can be submitted so that employees are expected to continue to reflect work loyalty in their workplaces such as in terms of obeying regulations, being responsible, dedicated and honest in working.
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[1]Ms. Anjumah Majeed, [2]Ms. Iqra Hafiz, [3]Mr. Firdose Ahmad Mir, [4]Dr. Mohd Arif Hussain Bhat, [5]Mr. Bilal Ahmad Shah, [6]Dr. Asif Qadri,[7] Mr. Ishfaq Ahmad Wani
ABSTRACT
The current research paper explores the phenomenon of internet addiction among College going students of district Anantnag. The study which was descriptive in nature was conducted on 100 College going students belonging to five different colleges of district Anantnag. The students were sampled by using simple random technique (Lottery Method) whereas, colleges were purposively selected. Data were collected by using a standardized tool developed by Daman Deep Kaur Gulati, Dr. Jose J. Kurisunkal and Dr. Mamta Bakliwal 2021. The data were analyzed by using t-test. The major finding of the study revealed that Internet Addiction is more in Arts Stream Students belonging to different Colleges of district Anantnag as compared to Science stream students belonging to different Colleges of district Anantnag.
Key Words: Internet Addiction, Lottery Method, t-test.
In the modern digital age, the internet has become an integral and indispensable component of daily life for billions of people around the world. What was once considered a novel technological innovation has rapidly evolved into an essential tool for communication, information-gathering, entertainment, and a multitude of other functions.The Internet’s pervasive presence and increasingly ubiquitous accessibility through smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other digital devices have transformed the way individuals interact with the world and each other.
The ubiquity of the internet in the 21st century has ushered in a technological revolution, profoundly shaping the way we work, learn, socialize, and entertain ourselves. The internet has become an essential resource for a vast array of daily activities, from professional tasks and academic research to personal communication and leisure pursuits. It has enabled instantaneous access to a wealth of information, fostered global connectivity, and revolutionized the way we consume and share content.
However, as the internet has become more deeply embedded in the fabric of modern society, a concerning trend has emerged – the growing problem of problematic internet use and internet addiction. Internet addiction, characterized by an inability to control one’s use of the internet despite the presence of negative consequences, has emerged as a significant public health concern in recent decades. As individuals, particularly young people, find themselves spending more and more time online, the detrimental effects of this excessive and compulsive internet use on mental health, physical well-being, social relationships, academic or occupational performance, and overall quality of life have become increasingly apparent.
Nature and Scope of Internet Addiction
In order to fully understand the issue of internet addiction, it is essential to first explore the definition and conceptualization of this behavioural disorder. Internet addiction, also referred to as problematic internet use or compulsive internet use, has been the subject of extensive research and debate among scholars and clinicians in recent decades.
The term “internet addiction” was first introduced in the 1990s by Dr. Ivan Goldberg, a psychiatrist who observed patterns of excessive and uncontrolled internet use among his patients. Goldberg proposed that individuals could become addicted to the internet, experiencing symptoms similar to those associated with substance addictions, such as tolerance, withdrawal, and impaired function in daily life. Since then, a growing body of research has sought to further define and characterize this emerging behavioural addiction.
One of the key challenges in defining internet addiction lies in the fact that the internet is not a single, discrete activity, but rather a platform that enables a wide range of activities, from social media and online gaming to e-commerce and information-seeking. As such, internet addiction is often conceptualized as a multidimensional construct, with various sub-types or “addictions” related to specific internet-enabled behaviours, such as social media addiction, online gaming addiction, or cybersex addiction.
Despite this complexity, researchers have proposed various frameworks and diagnostic criteria for internet addiction. One of the most widely recognized models is the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale (GPIUS), developed by Caplan and colleagues. This model posits that internet addiction is characterized by a cognitive-behavioural syndrome, including symptoms such as mood regulation, compulsive use, cognitive preoccupation, and negative outcomes.
Another influential framework is the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), developed by Dr. Kimberly Young. The IAT assesses the degree of preoccupation, compulsive use, withdrawal symptoms, and negative consequences associated with problematic internet use. This assessment tool has been widely used in both clinical and research settings to identify and measure the severity of internet addiction.
It is important to note that the classification and diagnosis of internet addiction remain subject to on-going debate and refinement. While the American Psychological Association (APA) has recognized “Internet Gaming Disorder” as a condition warranting further study in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the broader concept of internet addiction has not yet been formally included as a distinct diagnostic category. However, many researchers and clinicians advocate for the recognition of internet addiction as a legitimate behavioural addiction, akin to substance use disorders or gambling addiction.
Risk Factors and Etiological Mechanisms of Internet Addiction
The development of internet addiction is a complex and multifaceted process, influenced by a variety of individual, social, and environmental factors. Understanding the underlying risk factors and etiological mechanisms that contribute to the emergence and maintenance of this behavioural disorder is essential for designing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Individual Factors :
A growing body of research has identified several individual-level factors that may predispose individuals to the development of internet addiction. Personality traits, such as high levels of impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and neuroticism, have been consistently linked to an increased risk of problematic internet use. Individuals with these characteristics may be more likely to engage in compulsive and excessive online behaviours as a means of mood regulation or stimulation-seeking.
Additionally, the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has been associated with a higher likelihood of internet addiction. These underlying psychological and neurological factors may contribute to a heightened vulnerability to the development of addictive behaviours, including problematic internet use.
Demographic factors, such as age and gender, have also been identified as risk factors for internet addiction. Adolescents and young adults, particularly males, have consistently been found to be more susceptible to developing internet addiction. This may be partially attributed to the developmental changes and social pressures experienced during these life stages, as well as the increased accessibility and pervasiveness of digital technologies among younger generations.
Social and Environmental Factors
Beyond individual-level characteristics, social and environmental factors also play a significant role in the etiology of internet addiction. The quality and nature of an individual’s interpersonal relationships and social support systems can influence the risk of developing problematic internet use. For instance, individuals with poor social skills, limited social connections, or dysfunctional family environments may be more likely to turn to the internet as a means of socialization, emotional regulation, or escape from real-world problems.
The availability and accessibility of the internet, as well as the design and features of digital platforms and applications, can also contribute to the development of internet addiction. The ubiquity of smartphones and the constant connectivity they provide, combined with the reinforcing and addictive design elements of social media, online gaming, and other internet-based activities, can foster compulsive and excessive use.
Moreover, cultural and societal factors, such as the normalization of technology use, the perceived importance of online presence and participation, and the lack of digital literacy and self-regulation skills, can also shape an individual’s relationship with the internet and increase the risk of problematic use.
Neuro–biological and Psychological Processes
In addition to the individual, social, and environmental factors, researchers have also explored the potential Neuro-biological and psychological mechanisms underlying internet addiction. Emerging evidence suggests that the neurological and Neuro-chemical processes involved in the development of substance addictions may also play a role in the etiology of internet addiction.
Studies have found that excessive internet use and engagement in certain online activities, such as gaming or social media use, can trigger the release of dopamine and other reward-related neurotransmitters in the brain’s reward system. This can lead to a heightened sense of pleasure and reinforcement, potentially fuelling compulsive and addictive behaviours.
Furthermore, the cognitive and behavioural patterns associated with internet addiction, such as attentional biases, cognitive preoccupation, and impaired self-regulation, may be underpinned by specific psychological processes. These include the development of maladaptive coping strategies, distorted cognitions related to the internet and its use, and impaired executive functioning and impulse control.
By understanding the multifaceted risk factors and etiological mechanisms involved in the development of internet addiction, researchers and clinicians can better inform the design and implementation of targeted prevention and intervention strategies. This comprehensive approach is crucial for addressing the growing public health concern of problematic internet use in the digital age.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Various research studies have been conducted by various research scholars across the globe on internet addiction. Few of them have been presented below in chronological order;
In the study by Menon, Shanker & Narayanan, Lakshmi & Kahwaji, Ahmad (2018), the researchers investigated the internet addiction among college students. The study was conducted on 300 students in a management institute in India, were 300 students (first, second and third years’ students) were sampled and the result shows that the older students were more internet addicted than the younger students. It also showed that men were more addicted than women.
A cross sectional study was conducted by Prashant Bagdey, Hemant Adikane, Uday Narlawar, Dadasaheb Dhage, Kishor Surwase, Alka Kaware (2018) for investigating the association between mental health and internet addiction among college students in Nagpur city. The result showed that the students aged from 17-25 years were high on internet addition. They suggested that excessive use of the Internet effects on physical, mental health and social well-being of students.
A cross sectional study on internet addiction and their relationship with depression among professional college students was carried out by Subhashini KJ, Praveen G (2018). The study was conducted on 300 students from Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (Government Medical College) and Government Engineering College, Karnataka. They found that out of 300 students 173 (57.7%) were found to be internet addicted and 67 (38.7%) among them were found to be depressed and a there was positive relation between internet and depression. A male student shows more internet addiction than female students.
Azher, Musarrat (2018) has explored the relationship between Internet Addiction and Anxiety among 300 PG students form University of Sargodha. The data was collected by Internet Addiction Scale (I.A.S) and Beck Anxiety Scale. The result finding showed that internet addition was more in male students as compare to female students and also suggested that there was positive relationship between internet addiction and anxiety level among University students.
A cross sectional study on 1304 undergraduate college students (716 were females and 588 were males) was conducted in Udupi taluka Karnataka by Sharma B,Ashok L,Chandrasekaran V, Monteiro A (2018) to examine the correlates of internet addiction. They found the prevalence of internet addiction was 44% and this was associated gender, father’s occupation, mother’s education, availability of personal gadgets, use of smartphone, exposure to internet at young age and there was positive relationship between internet addiction and level of depression, anxiety, and stress.
A study conducted by Teena Sarao & Dr. Poonam Sharma (2017) on the relationship between the Internet use and locus of control among college students. The result indicated that internet addicted students’ feel symptoms of tolerance, withdrawal and escape, frequent interpersonal and academic conflicts, and physical health-threatening risks related to problem. The result also showed that men facing more problems then women and they found positive correlation between external locus of control and problem Internet use.
RATIONALE OF THE STUDY
1. Prevalence and Growing Concern
Increasing Usage: College students are among the most frequent users of the internet, and their usage often extends beyond academic purposes to social media, gaming, and other online activities. With the rise in digital technology, understanding the extent and impact of internet addiction in this demographic is critical.
Rising Trends: Recent studies and reports suggest that internet addiction is becoming more prevalent among young adults. Research can provide updated data and insights on how widespread the problem is among college students.
2. Impact on Academic Performance
Academic Challenges: Internet addiction can significantly impact students’ academic performance by leading to procrastination, reduced concentration, and lower grades. Investigating this relationship can help identify the extent of these effects and inform strategies to mitigate them.
Educational Outcomes: Understanding how internet addiction affects learning outcomes can help educators develop targeted interventions to support students in maintaining academic performance while managing their internet use.
3. Mental Health Concerns
Psychological Effects: Internet addiction is associated with various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Research can provide insights into how these issues specifically affect college students and identify potential mental health support needs.
Support Systems: By highlighting the mental health impacts, your research can contribute to developing better support systems and resources within college environments.
4. Social and Behavioral Implications
Social Interactions: Internet addiction can affect students’ social relationships and communication skills. Research can explore how excessive internet use impacts students’ interactions with peers, family, and faculty.
Behavioral Patterns: Studying behavioral patterns associated with internet addiction can help in understanding the broader social consequences and developing interventions to promote healthy social interactions.
5. Identification of Risk Factors
Understanding Triggers: Research can identify specific risk factors contributing to internet addiction among college students, such as academic stress, social pressures, or personal traits. This information can be used to develop preventive measures.
Targeted Interventions: Identifying risk factors allows for the design of targeted interventions and support programs that address the root causes of internet addiction rather than just its symptoms.
6. Development of Effective Interventions
Evaluating Existing Programs: Your research can assess the effectiveness of current interventions and support programs aimed at reducing internet addiction. This evaluation can help refine and improve these programs.
Innovative Solutions: By identifying gaps in existing research, you can propose new strategies or solutions to help students manage their internet use more effectively.
7. Contributing to Policy and Practice
Institutional Policies: Findings from your research can inform college policies related to internet use and mental health support, promoting a healthier academic environment.
Educational Practices: Research outcomes can help educators and counselors develop best practices for integrating technology use in a way that supports rather than hinders student success.
8. Future Research Directions
Foundation for Further Study: Your research can lay the groundwork for future studies on related topics, such as the long-term effects of internet addiction or the impact of emerging technologies on student behavior.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The problem under study was worded as, “Internet Addiction: A Study on College going Students of District Anantnag”.
OBJECTIVE
To compare internet Addiction scores among College going Students of District Anantnag with respect to Stream.
H0= There is no significant difference in Internet Addiction scores among College going Students of District Anantnag based upon their stream.
DELIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
The study was conducted on 100 college going students only,
Study was conducted on 05 colleges only.
SAMPLE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUE
The current study was descriptive in nature. The sample of the study consisted of 100 college going students from 05 going students belonging to district Anantnag. Out of the 100 sampled students 50 were Male and 50 were Female. The students were sampled by using simple random sampling technique (Lottery Method) and the colleges were sampled by using purposive sampling technique. Gender equality was maintained wherever possible. Respondents were selected from diverse socioeconomic status.
TABLE 1.0 depicts the brief sample of the study
S.No.
Name of the College
GenderMale Female
01
GDC Boys Anantnag
15
10
02
GDC Women Anantnag
00
20
03
GDC Mattan
10
05
04
GDC Kokernag
15
05
05
GDC Bijbehara
10
10
Total
50
50
Grand Total
100
TOOLS
For data collection Internat Addiction Scale (IAS) developed by Daman Deep Kaur Gulati, Dr. Jose J. Kurisunkal and Dr. Mamta Bakliwal 2021
DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE
Data were collected from 05 different colleges of district Anantnag. After taking the prior permission from the principals of the selected colleges, the respondents selected for the current study were made aware about the objective of the research and were assured that their responses are being used for research purpose only and will be kept confidential.
STATISTICAL TECHNIQUE
The data were analyzed with help of T-Test.
ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
The data related to the objective was collected and analysed by using t-test. But before applying t-test, the investigator checked the assumptions of t-test which are normality and Homogeneity as has been discussed below;
ASSUMPTION OF NORMALITY
H0= the distribution of Internet Addiction Scores of Arts and Science students belonging to different Colleges of district Anantnag do not deviate significantly from normality.
Tests of Normality
Stream
Kolmogorov-Smirnova
Shapiro-Wilk
Statistic
df
Sig.
Statistic
df
Sig.
Internet addiction scores
Arts
.086
50
.200*
.966
50
.165
Science
.109
50
.194
.956
50
.059
*. This is a lower bound of the true significance.
a. Lilliefors Significance Correction
From above table it is clear that Kolmogorov-Smirnov Statistics for Internet Addiction scores of Arts students belonging to different Colleges of district Anantnag is 0.086 with df 50, whose significance value is 0.200 which is greater than 0.05, thus the value is not significant at 0.05 level of significance. In view of this the null hypothesis that the “distribution of Internet Addiction Scores of Arts students belonging to different Colleges of district Anantnag do not deviate significantly from normality” is accepted.
Similarly, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov Statistics for Internet Addiction scores of Science students belonging to different Colleges of district Anantnag is 0.109 with df 50, whose significance value is 0.194 which is greater than 0.05, thus the value is not significant at 0.05 level of significance. In view of this the null hypothesis that the “distribution of Internet Addiction Scores of Science students belonging to different Colleges of district Anantnag do not deviate significantly from normality” is accepted.
From above table and discussion it is quite clear that Assumption of Normality gets fulfilled. The investigator further proceeded to check the second assumption which is;
Assumption of Homogeneity:
H0= “there is no significant difference in the variance of Internet addiction scores of Arts and Science Students belonging to different Colleges of district Anantnag”.
Levene’s Test for Equality of Variances
Internet Addiction Scores
F
Sig.
t
df
Sig (2-tailed)
Equal variances assumed
.109
.742
3.837
98
.000
Equal variances not assumed
3.837
97.082
.000
From table it is clear that Levene’s F value is 0.109, its significant value is 0.742, which is greater than 0.05. Hence, the value is not significant at LOS 0.05. Thus, the Null Hypothesis that “There is no significant difference in the variance of scores of Internet Addiction of Arts and Science Students belonging to different Colleges of district Anantnag” is accepted. Hence the assumption of Homogeneity of variance holds good.
Further from the above table it is clear that t-value is 3.837 with df= 98, whose two tailed significance value is 0.000 which is less than 0.01 level of significance. Hence the value is significant at 0.01 level of significance. In view of this the null hypothesis that’ “there is no significant difference in Internet Addiction Scores of Arts and Science Stream Students belonging to different Colleges” is rejected which means that Internet Addiction is not Independent of Stream.
Therefore, it can be concluded that Internet Addiction Scores of Arts and Science Stream Students belonging to different Colleges of district Anantnag differ significantly.
Also, from the Table below it is observed that mean of Internet Addiction Scores of Students belonging to Science Stream is 67.3600 which is significantly less than the mean of Internet Addiction Scores of Students belonging to Arts Stream which is 75.3600. Therefore, it can be concluded that Internet Addiction is more in Arts Stream Students belonging to different Colleges of district Anantnag as compared to Science stream students belonging to different Colleges of district Anantnag.
Group Statistics
Stream
N
Mean
Std. Deviation
Std. Error Mean
Internet addiction scores
Arts
50
75.3600
10.92042
1.54438
Science
50
67.3600
9.90518
1.40080
Similar to our research findings, here are some research studies that suggest internet addiction varies with academic stream or field of study:
1. “Internet Usage Patterns and Addiction Among Students of Different Streams” (2019) by Sharma, A., et al. published in Journal of Educational Technology, 15(3), 1-12. This study found that students from the commerce stream were more likely to experience internet addiction than students from the arts and science streams.
2. “Internet Addiction and Academic Performance: A Study of Students from Different Disciplines” (2020) by Gupta, A., et al. published in Journal of Educational Computing Research, 58(4), 866-881.This study found that students from the engineering and management disciplines were more likely to experience internet addiction than students from the arts and science disciplines.
3. “Internet Addiction and Its Relationship with Academic Performance Among Students of Different Streams” (2018) Singh, S., et al. published in International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science, 9(1), 240-246.This study found that students from the arts stream were more likely to experience internet addiction-related problems than students from the science and commerce streams.
In contrast to our results here are some studies whose findings suggest that internet addiction is same irrespective of the academic stream of students
1. “Internet Addiction Among University Students: A Study of Engineering and Humanities Students” (2017) by, Kumar, A., et al. (2017) in International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science, 8(3), 355-361.- This study found no significant differences in internet addiction between engineering and humanities students.
2. “Internet Addiction Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study” (2019) Al-Dhahir, M., et al. in Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 14(1), 34-41. – This study found no significant differences in internet addiction among students from different faculties (arts, science, engineering, and medicine).
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Mir Firdose Ahmad , Shah Bilal Ahmad, Rather Ilyas Ahmad , Bhat Mohd Arif Hussain (2021). A Comparative Study Of Internet Addiction Among Higher Secondary School Students Of District Anantnag, published in Elementary Education Online, 2021; Vol 20 (Issue 2): pp. 3960-3970, doi: 10.17051/ilkonline.2021.02.412
[1] Student Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, J&K, INDIA
[2] Former Student, University of Kashmir, Department of Economics, J&K, INDIA
[3] Assistant Professor (Environmental Science), GDC Women Anantnag, J&K, INDIA
[4] Principal, Islamia Faridiya College of Education Kishtwar, J&K, INDIA
[5] Assistant Professor (Education), GDC Women Anantnag, J&K, INDIA
[6] Assistant Professor (Kashmiri), GDC Mattan Anantnag, J&K, INDIA
[7] Teacher at Department of School Education, J&K, INDIA
*Centre for Gender and Development Studies, University of Port Harcourt
1Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Port Harcourt.
Abstract
The present study is focused on assessing the coping mechanisms of women and children in IDPs camps in Abuja as components of the Human security needs of these vulnerable groups of persons. The theoretical background was the Human Needs theory. The study employed a survey research design using mixed method for data collection, quantitative data was obtained by the administration of questionnaires while qualitative data was gotten through key informant interview schedule, participants were drawn using purposive sampling technique. The data generated using the questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages, presented in tables. The data generated from the interview schedule was analyzed using the explanation building technique. The results showed that women and children had applied coping mechanisms to address the challenges faced in the IDP camps and these mechanisms have contributed to their overall human security, however, there is a mixed perception of the effectiveness of the interventions applied as there is need for more tailored, sustainable, and inclusive interventions. The study recommends amongst others collaboration and coordination among humanitarian actors, government agencies, local authorities, and community-based organizations to ensure a coherent and integrated response to the needs of displaced women and children, empowerment of women and youth as agents of change within the IDP camps by providing opportunities for leadership, skills development, and civic engagement.
Keywords: Internally Displaced Persons, Coping Mechanisms, interventions, Women and Children.
Like many other African nations, Nigeria is strikingly incapable of offering human security that meets international standards. Nigeria has around one-third of Africa’s IDP population and approximately 10% of the world’s IDP population. Nigeria ranks third in the global ranking, with around 3.3 million displaced persons, primarily women and children (IDMC, 2018). Insecurity caused by the Boko Haram (BH) insurgency and military counter-insurgency operations affects around 26 million people in Northeast Nigeria, with over 14 million in desperate need of humanitarian assistance (OCHA, 2017). Women and children are typically more vulnerable than other affected displaced populations, contributing to the grave human rights violations that they face (Brookings Institution, 2014).
Furthermore, women and children experience displacement in ways that men do not, and they face unique obstacles that must be acknowledged in order to offer them the proper and specific help they require (IDMC, 2020). Unfortunately, this distinction is rarely considered while giving aid and protection. Instead, gendered behaviors in IDP camps have reinforced previously existent discrimination against women and children. These IDP experiences, according to UNFPA (2016), are rooted in uneven and discriminatory social norms, gender inequity, and stereotypes. According to IDMC (2014), the ongoing lack of disaggregated data on displacement dynamics has resulted in a lack of awareness of Nigeria’s displacement dynamics and fragmented, unsuitable, and ineffective response actions. As a result, internally displaced persons face many obstacles in various camps across Nigeria.
Nigeria has faced numerous hurdles since gaining its independence, including nation-building, industrial and scientific advances, political and economic development, high education standards, and health care quality. Human security has been a big concern for the Nigerian government despite the country’s abundance of riches. It has also significantly weakened the country’s economy by depressing investment and tourism. Many other elements work together to impede the attainment of human security, aside from the government’s apathetic attitude towards it. Even worse, Nigeria is one of the nations where the most horrible terrorist organizations, like Boko Haram, are based, drawing attention, support, and engagement from around the world. Human insecurity has a detrimental impact on a country’s ability to achieve the current Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the upcoming Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Displaced persons are now more vulnerable as a result of internal displacement. In addition, it makes the victims’ poverty worse, endangers national security, causes property loss and suffering, violates human rights, discriminates, malnourishes displaced children, and spreads diseases. Rape, child labor, poor health, and inadequate education have all claimed the lives of women and children. Notably, women, the victims of displacement, lack enough necessities (Walsh, 2016). Despite these concerns and issues, there is a distinct shortage of research evidence on human security in general, especially those facets of human security related to the sustenance of IDPs, such as food and social security. Most studies on IDPs have either focused on non-conflict-induced Displacement (non-CID) or, when focused on CID, have generally focused on reasons for displacement, types of displacement, and international legal instruments that control IDPs (Mehari, 2017). According to Taylor-Robinson and Oleribe (2016) and Bamidele (2023), most studies have not assessed the coping mechanisms of IDPs, especially women and children. IDPs in Nigeria are in a severe and precarious situation, with ever-worsening living conditions, including food and social insecurity. This should be considered in addition to the high frequency of human insecurity and IDPs’ lack of a long-term solution (IDMC, 2019). As a result, this study seeks to assess the coping mechanisms of IDPs and the situation of women and children in the New Kuchingoro and Wassa Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camps as a means of offering suggestions and insights that can help find long-term solutions that will safeguard their human security.
Objectives of the Study
1. Determine the coping mechanisms employed by women and children in selected IDP Camps to address the challenges they face and their impact on their resilience and overall human security.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the coping mechanism employed by women and children in the selected IDP Camps in promoting human security.
Assess the effectiveness of the interventions implemented by different stakeholders in addressing the human security needs of women and children in the selected IDP Camps.
1.2 Research Questions
What coping mechanisms are employed by women and children in selected IDP Camps to address the challenges they face and their impact on their resilience and overall human security?
How effective are the coping mechanism employed by women and children in the selected IDP Camps in promoting human security?
How effective are the interventions implemented by different stakeholders in addressing the human security needs of women and children in the selected IDP Camps?
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Theoretical Framework
Theory of Human Needs
The human needs theory (HNT), first put forth by renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow in his groundbreaking article “A Theory of Human Motivation,” published in the esteemed psychological review in 1943, serves as the foundation for this empirical study. The HNT, which has had a significant impact on psychology, maintains that human wants are inherently non-negotiable as well as intrinsic and universal. It asserts that some requirements are essential for human life and general well-being (Olanrewaju et al., 2018). Despite what the general public believes, these demands go beyond the necessities of food, shelter, and water. They include necessities that are both material and immaterial, as well as a variety of other demands that people have a strong desire to satisfy (Marker, 2005). As a result, the HNT provides deep insights into both the root causes of conflicts and viable paths for their settlement. Prominent academics generally acknowledge its effectiveness as a valuable tool for mediation, proactive peace-building, and post-conflict peace-building initiatives (Danielsen, 2005).
As for Osagioduwa and Oluwakorede (2016), the HNT posits that conflicts mostly stem from the unfulfilled demands of individuals at many levels, including the individual, societal, and collective levels. Drawing on the research of Burton (1990, referenced in Danielsen, 2005), it is clear that marginalized groups frequently turn to violence in order to express their rights and satisfy their unfulfilled wants as a result of the ongoing disregard for global human needs. Renowned scholars like Max Neef (1991), Burton (1990), and Maslow (1943) have studied the HNT in great detail. They have concentrated their research on the complex relationship between human needs and conflicts at different levels of society, from intrapersonal and interpersonal conflicts to international conflicts and intergroup conflicts (Danielsen, 2005). The basic tenet that conflict emerges when the needs of individuals and groups are not sufficiently satisfied helps explain the relationship between conflict and human needs (Olanrewaju et al., 2018). Consequently, only when the wide range of human needs is well met and conflict interests are appropriately addressed can effectively conflict resolution be accomplished
2.2 Conceptual Clarification
Human Security, according to UNDP Human Development Reports (1994), the first significant document addressing the issue, refers to protection from damaging upheavals in daily life and protection from long-term threats like famine, disease, and oppression. Protection against both traditional and contemporary safety risks, such as persistent poverty, ethnic violence, human trafficking, climate change, pandemics, international terrorism, and sudden economic downturns, is referred to as human security. Such threats often turn into international issues. A former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, in his perspective, asserts that human security is linked to defending national interests within the parameters of foreign policy or even international security in the event of a nuclear war (HDR, 1994, cited in Titko & Kurtynet, 2019).
According to Bayar and Aral (2019), human security is the establishment of political, social, environmental, economic, military, and cultural institutions that collectively provide individuals with the means of surviving, supporting themselves, and maintaining their dignity. Two essential elements make up the notion of human security, initially presented in the Human Development Report 1994. These are the freedoms from desire and fear. In order to be free from fear, people must be safeguarded against dangers, including physical harm, armed conflict, and war, using various strategies, including the architecture of peacebuilding. However, emancipation from non-violent dangers to people’s welfare and dignity, such as poverty, malnourishment, illnesses, environmental degradation, and others, is necessary for freedom from want (Woldetsadik, 2018). Szpak (2015) further describes human security in terms of its emphasis on people, their lives, their functioning in society, their autonomy, access to the market, and social chances, citing the 1994 Human Development Report. In addition, it addresses the State of peace, which is a prerequisite for human security. Living in a state of peace and safety where everyone is free to exercise their fundamental liberties and human rights without hindrance means being humanely secure. Individuals must be able to fulfill their objectives and aspirations as well as their societal demands. According to Jacobs (2016), human security encompasses all human needs for survival, development, and growth, not just the requirement for physical defense against aggression.
The first global study to project security more comprehensively was the United Nations Human Development Study (HDR) of 1994 (Lawal & Mbiba, 2020). Along with rules and regulations for execution, it considers the socioeconomic requirements of people and communities as a crucial aspect of security (Aduloju & Pratt, 2014). The study was written in response to the “Economics of Peace” Round Table discussion on North-South relations in Costa Rica in 1990. All participants in the Round Table acknowledged and accepted the need for a more dynamic and widely accepted security paradigm in the post-Cold War era. In the post-Cold War order framework, the emphasis was on the need to cut back on military spending and instead concentrate on human-centered development, such as bettering the economy and the environment, to achieve world peace (North-South Roundtable 1990). The HDR made the case that the definition of security had been applied too narrowly for too long, with the definitions being limited to the defense of national interests abroad, the security of territory against external assault, or the prevention of a nuclear holocaust. Rather than being directly linked to people, it has been more strongly linked to nation-states (HDR 1994).
According to Titko and Kurtnets (2019), the elements of human protection are economic security, food security, health protection, environmental security, personal (physical) security, community security, and political security
2.3 Empirical Review
Adams (2021) conducted a study on the challenges faced by displaced individuals, particularly females, in Borno State, Nigeria. The study focused on the humanitarian crises experienced by female internally displaced persons (IDPs) in specific IDP camps, namely Jerusalem IDP camp, Zabarmari IDP camp, Muna Dati IDP camp, Ethiopia IDP camp, and Teachers’ Village IDP camp. These crises were primarily caused by the activities of Islamist Jihadists, herdsmen, and armed bandits. The paper explored a range of predicaments faced by female IDPs, including human rights violations, sexual violence and abuses, environmental racism, hunger, starvation, health issues, educational marginalization, and social ostracism. In response to these challenges, the study examined the role of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other Christian charities in addressing the humanitarian crises faced by female IDPs in the selected camps. To gather data, the study employed an observer-as-participant ethnographic approach with a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and the study drew on the human needs theory as its theoretical framework. The research findings indicated that CAN and other Christian charity organizations have made commendable efforts in responding to the crises, with a response rate of 98.1%. The study concludes that considering the diverse array of challenges faced by female IDPs in the selected IDP camps, the timely and intensified response from CAN is crucial.
Additionally, by identifying and applying the fundamental principles of the human needs theory, the crises faced by female IDPs can be significantly reduced. Overall, Adams’ study sheds light on the challenges of forced displacement and coping strategies employed by displaced women in selected IDP camps in Nigeria, emphasizing the role of CAN and other Christian charities in addressing the humanitarian crises faced by female IDPs in the study area. While the study explored the challenges faced by IDPs in Borno State, it focused more on the plight of women and children in IDP Camps in Nigeria from 2015 to 2020.
Olanrewaju and Omotoso (2018) examined the challenges faced by displaced women in selected IDP camps in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the lack of adequate care and financial resources. The study utilized a qualitative approach, employing a descriptive survey and conducting focus group discussions to gather responses from the participants. The study’s main findings highlighted that the lack of adequate care and financial resources were the significant challenges affecting displaced women. Economic opportunities were identified as the most significant coping strategy employed by these women. The data generated from the study aimed to contribute to the development of a framework for implementing global best practices in the management of internal displacement in Nigeria. The study objectives revolved around assessing the challenges linked to internal displacement in Nigeria and exploring the coping strategies adopted by displaced women. The study design used a qualitative approach to conduct focus group discussions and a descriptive survey. The sample population consisted of all Boko Haram terrorism-displaced women living in selected IDP camps in Nigeria, with a total of 116 respondents. The participants were divided into different groups based on their marital status and age. The focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. It is important to note that no specific intervention was provided to the study participants as the primary focus of the research was to assess the challenges associated with internal displacement in Nigeria and explore the coping strategies adopted by displaced women. Based on the findings, the study put forth several policy recommendations. These recommendations included the adoption of a legal and institutional framework for managing internal displacement, the development of a national displacement policy, and the necessity to evaluate intra-gender vulnerabilities and implement targeted interventions to address the specific needs of displaced women. While the study shares some semblance with the theme of the present study, unlike the present study, the focus is on the general plight of women and children in IDP camps in Abuja from 2015-2020.
3.0 Methodology
The study employed a survey research design using mixed method for data collection. Both quantitative and qualitative data was used for the study, quantitative data would be gotten by the administration of questionnaires while qualitative data was gotten through key informant interview schedule, purposive sampling technique was used to draw participants for the study from the entire population of IDPs. The data generated using the questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages, presented in tables. The data generated from the interview schedule was analyzed using the explanation building technique.
4.0 Results
Research Question One: What coping mechanisms are employed by women and children in selected IDP Camps to address the challenges they face and their impact on their resilience and overall human security?
Table 1: Coping Mechanisms and Human Security
Statement
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree
I Employ coping mechanisms to address challenges
10 (5.1%)
20 (10.3%)
30 (15.4%)
80 (41.0%)
55 (28.2%)
Coping mechanisms contribute to overall human security
8 (4.1%)
15 (7.7%)
25 (12.8%)
85 (43.6%)
62 (31.8%)
The data in Table 1 suggests that many women and children employ coping mechanisms to address the challenges they face in the IDP camps. Additionally, a notable majority believe these coping mechanisms contribute to their overall human security. This underscores the resilience and agency of women and children in the face of adversity but also emphasizes the importance of supporting and strengthening these coping strategies to enhance human security further.
Respondents’ utilization of coping mechanisms reflects their resilience and adaptive capacity in navigating the challenges of displacement. Strengthening these coping strategies is essential for promoting human security and well-being among displaced populations. Efforts to support and empower women and children in the IDP camps should focus on enhancing their access to resources and opportunities that enable them to cope effectively with adversity.
Research Question Two: How effective are the coping mechanism employed by women and children in the selected IDP Camps in promoting human security?
Table 2: Effectiveness of Interventions
Statement
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree
Interventions effectively address human security needs
12 (6.2%)
20 (10.3%)
35 (17.9%)
85 (43.6%)
43 (22.1%)
Responses to Table 2 regarding the effectiveness of interventions in addressing human security needs indicate a mixed perception among respondents. While a significant proportion agree that interventions effectively address these needs, a notable number express disagreement or neutrality. This highlights the importance of evaluating existing interventions to identify gaps and areas for improvement in ensuring comprehensive support for displaced populations.
The mixed perceptions regarding the effectiveness of interventions underscore the importance of ongoing evaluation and improvement in humanitarian response efforts. Identifying and addressing gaps in existing interventions is essential for maximizing their impact and ensuring that the needs of displaced populations are adequately met. Strengthening coordination and collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions in the IDP camps.
The consensus among respondents regarding the need for context-specific recommendations for sustainable improvement in human security highlights the importance of tailored approaches to addressing the unique challenges displaced populations face. Implementing these recommendations is essential for promoting long-term resilience and well-being among women and children in the IDP camps. Failure to act on these recommendations could perpetuate cycles of insecurity and vulnerability, undermining efforts to build a more inclusive and resilient society.
In summary, the quantitative analysis results provide valuable insights into the perceptions and experiences of women, children, and NEMA staff in the IDP camps, highlighting both achievements and areas for improvement in promoting human security and well-being. Addressing the identified challenges and implementing targeted interventions is essential for creating safe, supportive, and sustainable environments for displaced populations in Abuja, Nigeria.
Research Question Three: How effective are the interventions implemented by different stakeholders in addressing the human security needs of women and children in the selected IDP Camps?
Theme 1: Support and Interventions
The qualitative responses shed light on the perspectives of displaced populations regarding the support and interventions provided by humanitarian organizations and government agencies. Participants appreciated the assistance received but highlighted the need for more tailored, sustainable, and inclusive interventions. These findings align with the quantitative data indicating mixed perceptions regarding the effectiveness of interventions, underscoring the importance of addressing gaps in coordination, communication, and resource allocation to maximize the impact of humanitarian response efforts.
“We appreciate the support provided by humanitarian organizations, but more needs to be done to address our specific needs and priorities. There are times when we feel overlooked or marginalized in the aid distribution process.” – Participant J.
“Government agencies and NGOs play a crucial role in assisting, but gaps in coordination and communication need to be addressed. Sometimes, there is duplication of efforts, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation.” – Participant K
“We need sustainable interventions that empower us to rebuild our lives and regain our independence. Short-term aid is not enough to address the root causes of our displacement. We need long-term solutions that address the underlying drivers of conflict and displacement.” – Participant L.
The qualitative reflections offer critical perspectives on humanitarian actors’ and government agencies’ support and interventions. While quantitative data may assess the effectiveness of interventions in terms of outcomes, qualitative narratives elucidate the processes, dynamics, and underlying challenges shaping the delivery and impact of assistance. Participants’ accounts of appreciating assistance and experiencing gaps in coordination, communication, and inclusivity highlight the complexities and limitations of humanitarian response efforts. These findings underscore the need for participatory, accountable, and context-sensitive approaches to humanitarian action. Strengthening community engagement, promoting transparency and accountability, and fostering partnerships with local actors can enhance interventions’ relevance, responsiveness, and sustainability. By centering the voices and priorities of displaced populations, humanitarian actors can ensure more effective, dignified, and rights-based assistance, ultimately fulfilling human security for all.
5.0 Summary/Conclusion
Most respondents employ coping mechanisms to navigate the challenges of displacement, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. These strategies contribute significantly to overall human security, enhancing safety, well-being, and resilience within the camp environment. Recognizing and supporting these coping mechanisms is crucial for empowering displaced populations and improving their human security. Research emphasizes the importance of community support and adaptive strategies in promoting resilience among displaced individuals.
The majority of respondents believe that interventions effectively address human security needs, indicating a positive perception of efforts by various stakeholders. These interventions, which focus on preventing and responding to sexual violence and mainstreaming gender-sensitive approaches, are essential for protecting displaced populations. Coordinated efforts by humanitarian agencies, government authorities, and civil society organizations are vital in addressing IDPs’ complex challenges and enhancing their human security within camp settings. The positive impact of these interventions underscores the importance of continued support and collaboration in humanitarian responses.
6.0 Recommendations
Strengthen Community-based Support Systems: Foster community cohesion and social support networks within the IDP camps to promote resilience and mutual assistance among residents. Facilitate community-led initiatives, peer support groups, and cultural activities to strengthen social ties and address psychosocial needs.
Enhance Coordination and Collaboration: Foster collaboration and coordination among humanitarian actors, government agencies, local authorities, and community-based organizations to ensure a coherent and integrated response to the needs of displaced populations. Establish mechanisms for information sharing, joint planning, and monitoring of interventions to maximize effectiveness and minimize duplication of efforts (UNHCR, 2020).
Empower Women and Youth: Empower women and youth as agents of change within the IDP camps by providing opportunities for leadership, skills development, and civic engagement. Promote participation in decision-making processes, community governance structures, and advocacy initiatives to amplify the voices and priorities of marginalized groups (UNDP, 2016).
Strengthen Child Protection Systems: Strengthen child protection systems within the IDP camps to safeguard the rights and well-being of children, including prevention and response to child labor, trafficking, and exploitation. Provide specialized services for vulnerable children, such as reunification with family members, psychosocial support, and access to education and healthcare (UNICEF, 2019).
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