Assessing Posttraumatic-Stress Disorder Symptoms among Former Rebels: Basis for Mental Health Care Intervention
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/shserj.2025.63Keywords:
Mental Health, Psychosocial Well-being, RehabilitationAbstract
The study investigates the socio-demographic characteristics and psychosocial health profile of the former rebels in terms of posttraumatic-stress symptomatology. It also aimed to identify the psychopathological risks as bases of its proposed mental health treatment. This study utilized a sequential explanatory mixed methods design which employed the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale- Self Report for the DSM5 in assessing the participants’ psychosocial health condition. A semi-structured, in-depth individual interview was also conducted to gather qualitative data. There were 30 respondents in the quantitative phase of the study, they were the beneficiaries of the Philippine Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integrated Program, based in a local government unit. Upon determining the psychopathological risks of the respondents, five were identified to have suffered the highest severity symptoms of PTSD, who were then the participants in the qualitative phase. Results reveal that all former rebels who participated in the study suffer from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder which necessitates proper psychological treatment to restore and rebuild their quality of life. The findings show that the former rebels’ mental health needs have to be properly addressed during their rehabilitation period before they are being mainstreamed in the society. Relevant policy and programs need not to overlook the former rebels’ psychosocial well-being.
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