Abstract:
The objective of this study was to examine the psychosocial well-being of protracted internally
displaced people (IDPs) residing in collective centers in Deder and Goro Gutu woredas of East
Hararge Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. A descriptive research design was employed with 279
randomly selected IDPs displaced from the Somali Regional State and currently living in 10
collective shelters. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and analyzed
through descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and
inferential statistics, specifically independent sample t-tests. Results revealed poor
psychological well-being, particularly in environmental mastery (M = 1.73, SD = 0.90) and
personal growth (M = 1.81, SD = 0.97), alongside generally low social well-being (M = 1.90,
SD = 0.65), with social acceptance (M = 1.75, SD = 0.97) and social contribution (M = 1.81,
SD = 0.90) scoring lowest. Purpose in life scored highest (M = 4.08, SD = 1.08), indicating
that respondents retained a sense of meaning despite adverse conditions. Comparisons across
gender and marital status showed slight differences, but none were statistically significant,
suggesting that demographic variables exert minimal influence on psychosocial outcomes. In
conclusion, the findings demonstrate that psychosocial well-being among protracted IDPs is
shaped far more by common displacement-related stressors such as confinement in collective
shelters, disrupted livelihoods and social networks, loss of property, and inadequate services
than by demographic characteristics. This aligns with previous studies emphasizing that trauma
exposure, coping strategies, and the quality of community integration are stronger determinants
of well-being than socio-demographic factors. The study recommends that government institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders prioritize interventions that strengthen social
support networks, promote psychological empowerment, facilitate reintegration and
rehabilitation, and expand access to mental health services to enhance resilience and
community integration among displaced populations.
