Psychosocial factors and psychological well-being in Ilaje oil-producing community, Niger-Delta region of Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Activities of major oil companies in the Niger-Delta region have caused many serious forms of oil-generated environmental degradation and pollution, which has had a ripple effect on the well-being of residents in the region. Interventions to improve well-being have proven largely unsuccessful, as psychosocial aspects were completely disregarded. This study investigated the influence of self-efficacy and social support on the psychological well-being of residents in Ilaje oil-producing community in the Niger-Delta region of Ondo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. A questionnaire consisting of personal data information, social support scale (SSS), self-efficacy scale (SES) and Ryff's psychological well-being scale (RPWBS) were used for data collection. The participants consisted of 86 (57.7%) males and 63 (42.3%) females. The results indicated that participants' self-efficacy had no significant influence on their psychological well-being. Social support contributes significantly to psychological well-being. The study concluded that social support determined the psychological well-being of residents in the study area. The study has practical implications for policy-makers in the oil and gas industry to design intervention strategies that could boost the well-being of residents in oil-producing communities of the Niger-Delta region, Nigeria.