Self-Acceptance As A Cornerstone Of Social Integration: A Study Among Military Ex-Combatants In The Northwest Region Of Cameroon
Keywords:
Self-acceptance, social integration, ex-combatantsAbstract
The social integration of ex-combatants into civilian life presents complex psychosocial challenges, particularly in regions affected by protracted insecurity, such as Cameroon’s northwest. Ex-combatants often face stigma, mistrust, and marginalization that hinder both their personal well-being and their ability to reconnect with their communities. This study investigates the impact of self-acceptance on social integration among ex-combatants, utilizing Ryff’s multidimensional model of psychological well-being. A cross-sectional correlational mixed-methods design combines quantitative and qualitative data collection at a single point in time to explore the relationship and patterns between variables, providing a more comprehensive understanding. This study involves the simultaneous collection of numerical data for correlational analysis and narrative data for deeper insights, providing a richer understanding of a research problem from 45 ex-combatants residing in Bamenda through standardized Likert-type scales and participant interviews. Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between self-acceptance and social integration (r = 0.51, p < .001), with regression analysis indicating that self-acceptance explained 26% of the variance in social integration outcomes. Indicator-level analyses highlighted “inner peace” as the strongest dimension associated with community social integration, underscoring the importance of emotional reconciliation alongside material support. Qualitative narratives contextualized these results, revealing themes of identity reconstruction, stigma management, and the restorative impact of symbolic validation, such as pensions and family achievements. Together, these findings suggest that sustainable social integration cannot be achieved only through economic measures but requires targeted psychological support that enables ex-combatants to reconcile with their past and rebuild a coherent sense of self. The study calls for a paradigm shift in social integration policy in Cameroon that integrates trauma-informed, acceptance-based interventions into existing programs as a pathway to both ex-combatant wellness and broader social stability.
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