PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORKS, PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE AND PERSONALITY TRAITS AS BUFFERS TO MENTAL HEALTH AMONG LEGAL PRACTITIONERS IN OWERRI

Abstract

This study examined the roles of social support networks, psychological resilience, and personality traits as buffers to mental health among legal practitioners in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted and data were collected through purposive and convenience sampling technique from 300 legal practitioners practising in Owerri. The sample comprised 137 males (45.7%) and 163 females (54.3%), with ages ranging from 26 to 65 years (M = 38.88, SD = 8.57), ensuring a diverse and representative cohort. Data collection employed four measures: the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS; Zimet et al., 1988), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS; Smith et al., 2008), the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10; Rammstedt & John, 2007), and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12; Goldberg, 1972). Results of the hierarchical regression analysis indicated that perceived social support significantly predicted lower psychological distress (β = −.31, p < .001), while psychological resilience emerged as a strong protective factor (β = −.41, p < .001). Neuroticism significantly predicted higher levels of psychological distress (β = .29, p < .001). In contrast, other personality traits, namely conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness to experience, did not contribute uniquely after psychosocial variables were controlled. The study highlighted the need to conceptualise mental health in the legal profession as both an individual and institutional concern. The findings implied that strengthening social support structures within professional settings and fostering resilience through targeted training may substantially reduce psychological distress. It is therefore recommended that legal institutions and professional bodies integrate structured peer support initiatives, resilience-focused programmes, and accessible psychological services into continuing professional development frameworks. At a broader level, embedding mental health promotion within professional standards and policies may enhance wellbeing, sustain professional effectiveness, and support a more humane and resilient legal workforce.