Beyond survival: how social support and psychological security protect war-disabled individuals from post-traumatic stress in Yemen

BACKGROUND: Armed conflict in Yemen has led to severe physical disabilities and profound psychological distress among survivors. Understanding how social support and psychological security interact to protect mental well-being is crucial for post-conflict rehabilitation. Therefore this study aimed to assess the levels and prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), perceived social support, and psychological security among individuals with war-related disabilities in Yemen, and to examine the mediating role of psychological security in the relationship between social support and PTSD. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a rehabilitation center in Taiz City from January to September 2025. Participants (n = 117) with conflict-related physical disabilities completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Psychological Security Scale (PSS), and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Mediation analysis was performed using the PROCESS macro. RESULTS: The probable PTSD prevalence was 29.9% (95% CI 22.4%-38.7%). Perceived social support had a significant indirect effect on PTSD symptoms through psychological security (p < 0.05), but no significant direct effect. Psychological security statistically mediated the association between perceived social support and PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSION: Psychological security may play a crucial role in the association between perceived social support and PTSD symptoms among war-disabled individuals. Rehabilitation programs should prioritize interventions that enhance both social support networks and psychological security to reduce PTSD symptoms.