Exposure to Insecurity and Associated Emotional Behaviors Among in-School Adolescents in Benue State, Nigeria

Background Adolescents in conflict-affected regions like Benue State, Nigeria, are exposed to pervasive insecurity, yet the specific nature of its association with their emotional well-being requires further investigation. This study examined the exposure to insecurity incidents and the associated emotional behaviors among in-school adolescents in Zone B Senatorial District, Benue State. Methods A cross-sectional correlational design was employed. Using multistage sampling, 300 Senior Secondary School 2 (SSS2) students (150 males, 150 females) were selected from four high-insecurity Local Government Areas. Data were collected with the Insecurity Assessment Questionnaire (IAQ) and the Emotional Behaviors Questionnaire (EBQ). Analyses included descriptive statistics, linear regression, and Fisher’s Z-test. Results Highly prevalent insecurity exposures included hearing of abductions nearby (48.1%) and student kidnappings (46.5%). The most frequently associated emotional behaviors were fear (45.8%) and anxiety (42.4%). A weak, non-significant positive relationship was found between overall insecurity exposure and emotional behavior scores (R = 0.103, p = 0.076). Gender did not significantly moderate this relationship (Fisher’s Z = -0.234, p = 0.815), although females reported higher mean scores across emotional behaviors. Conclusions While exposure to insecurity is prevalent and linked to heightened fear and anxiety among adolescents in this setting, the weak statistical association suggests the influence of potential buffering factors. These findings highlight the need for integrated strategies that combine security, school-based mental health support, and community resilience initiatives to safeguard adolescent well-being.