PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MITIGATION OF TRAUMATIC CRISES IN SOUTHSOUTH NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the role of public relations in the mitigation of traumatic crises in South-South Nigeria, with specific focus on Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Delta States. The objectives were to assess the prevalence of traumatic crises, identify prevailing misconceptions and socio-cultural barriers, evaluate the effectiveness of public relations strategies, and determine appropriate communication interventions for crisis mitigation. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 757 respondents selected across the three states. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire, while data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis. One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) post-hoc test were used to test the hypothesis at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a high prevalence of traumatic crises in the study area, alongside widespread misconceptions and stigma that discourage help-seeking behaviour. Public relations strategies were found to be moderately effective, with media awareness campaigns and community engagement forums emerging as the most effective interventions. The ANOVA result showed a statistically significant relationship between the perceived effectiveness of public relations strategies and the level of traumatic crisis mitigation (F(3,753) = 59.36, p < 0.05). The study concludes that effective public relations communication plays a critical role in reducing stigma, improving awareness, and promoting recovery and resilience in crisis-affected communities. It recommends the adoption of sustained, audience-centred, and culturally sensitive public relations strategies to enhance traumatic crisis mitigation in South-South Nigeria.