Research Article

6 February 2023 Türkiye earthquakes: Trauma response and recovery

Number: 77 January 31, 2026
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6 February 2023 Türkiye earthquakes: Trauma response and recovery

Abstract

The present study examines the experiences of individuals affected by the 2023 earthquake in Turkey, covering the two-year period following the disaster. The present study employed narrative inquiry, a qualitative research design. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 participants (M=32.62, SD=10.9) whose ages ranged from 22 to 68 and who resided in the designated earthquake zone during the 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake. Thematic and narrative analysis methods were utilised in the subsequent analysis of the interviews. The findings demonstrate that, in the aftermath of the earthquake, individuals experienced a multitude of non-normative life events in succession. In this regard, the subjects experienced intense trauma responses and feelings of fear and anger, as well as hyperarousal and reactivity, from the acute phase of the disaster until two years later. The most frequently employed coping mechanism in the acute phase following the earthquake was 'solidarity'. The relocation of many individuals whose residences were destroyed to containers or areas outside the disaster zone has affected their sense of community belonging. While some participants continued to exhibit symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), they also demonstrated post-traumatic growth. The findings were discussed within the framework of the relevant literature, and recommendations were made for researchers.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Psychological Counseling and Guidance (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

January 31, 2026

Submission Date

August 1, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 23, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 77

APA
Bakır, A., & Doğan, T. (2026). 6 February 2023 Türkiye earthquakes: Trauma response and recovery. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty, 77, 21-39. https://doi.org/10.21764/maeuefd.1756511

Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty

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