Contribution of Negative Life Events to the Emergence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Internally Displaced Persons in Cameroon

This study examines the contribution of negative life events to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder among internally displaced persons affected by the socio-political crisis in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon. The sample consisted of ten participants living in an informal resettlement site, exposed to prolonged precarious living conditions and repeated traumatic experiences. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining semi-structured clinical interviews with standardized assessment scales. Results from the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form indicated that 70% of participants experienced at least one form of childhood maltreatment or neglect, primarily emotional and physical, with some cases of severe sexual abuse. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised revealed clinically significant post-traumatic distress among all participants. Qualitative analysis highlighted the use of various defense mechanisms (denial, dissociation, projection, displacement, social withdrawal, repression, regression) mobilized to regulate emotional intensity and preserve psychological stability. Life trajectories were characterized by cumulative stressors (early losses, abuse, economic hardship, family conflicts, bereavement) interacting with childhood trauma. Clinical manifestations included intrusive memories, nightmares, phobias, sleep disturbances, and emotional instability. The study emphasizes the importance of integrative psychosocial interventions that consider the overall life course of internally displaced persons.