Beyond survival: how social support and psychological security protect war-disabled individuals from post-traumatic stress in Yemen.

BACKGROUND

Armed conflict in Yemen has led to severe physical disabilities and profound psychological distress among survivors. Understanding how social support and psychological security interact to protect mental well-being is crucial for post-conflict rehabilitation. Therefore this study aimed to assess the levels and prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), perceived social support, and psychological security among individuals with war-related disabilities in Yemen, and to examine the mediating role of psychological security in the relationship between social support and PTSD.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a rehabilitation center in Taiz City from January to September 2025. Participants (n = 117) with conflict-related physical disabilities completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Psychological Security Scale (PSS), and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Mediation analysis was performed using the PROCESS macro.

RESULTS

The probable PTSD prevalence was 29.9% (95% CI 22.4%-38.7%). Perceived social support had a significant indirect effect on PTSD symptoms through psychological security (p < 0.05), but no significant direct effect. Psychological security statistically mediated the association between perceived social support and PTSD symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Psychological security may play a crucial role in the association between perceived social support and PTSD symptoms among war-disabled individuals. Rehabilitation programs should prioritize interventions that enhance both social support networks and psychological security to reduce PTSD symptoms.