Childhood Experiences and Family History as Factors Affecting Women’s Mental Health in Nigeria

This study examines the complex interplay of formative life experiences in childhood, genetic family history and current mental health status of Nigeria women. Psychological ill-being among Nigeria’s women has emerged in recent years as an acute public health concern, as the social, economic, cultural pressures and the stressful environmental context combine to induce mental disorders. Specifically, this study explores the interplay between early developmental perturbations such as child abuse, childhood emotional deprivation, and chaotic family background with the risk of inheriting a predisposition to mental ill-health for psychiatric morbidity in female adolescents. This inquiry has used a rigorous quantitative methodology for the investigation where appropriate structured psychometric surveys have administered to diverse groups of women across the geographical divides in the country. The results were then analyzed using descriptive statistical methods in order to elicit major patterns and correlations with specific phenomena of interest. Result have evidenced that the incidence of the study-related mental health problems particularly Depression, and ‘anxiety disorder’ were linked strongly to trauma as the’ adversely adverse childhood experiences’ (ACEs) that an individual has experienced. Significantly, a family history of mentally disorder appeared to multiply existing risks factors for these conditions. In conclusion therefore, the study argues that life trajectory of psychological morbidity in a Nigerian woman’s life will mostly depend on her fundamental life and family genetics. Based on these findings, the paper therefore provides recommendations for Nigeria to overhaul her mental healthcare policy. It calls for systematic implementation of mental Health public awareness campaigns tailored to culturally sensitive frameworks, early intervention facilities for children and community accessible mental Health Services to reduce lifelong morbidities and ameliorate welfare.