INVESTIGATION OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY THE EARTHQUAKE CENTERED IN KAHRAMANMARAŞ

Abstract

This study aims to examine the psychological conditions of individuals affected by the earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, which also impacted 11 other provinces. The research adopts a quantitative research design with relational screening model and includes 181 voluntary participants, comprising 93 individuals affected by the earthquake and 88 individuals who were not affected (control group). Data collection involved researcher-designed questionnaires and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), both of which were distributed to participants via Google Forms. The data were analyzed using SPSS 28.00. The results of the analyses indicated that the average BDI scores of the individuals affected by the earthquake were higher compared to those in the control group. However, no statistically significant differences were found between BDI scores and demographic variables such as gender, age groups, and economic status within the earthquake-affected group. Additionally, the analyses revealed no statistically significant association between the experience of the earthquake (including factors such as type of residence, location during the earthquake, building collapse, damage to the house, being trapped under debris, loss of relatives, and current place of residence) and depression levels.

Keywords: Earthquake, Kahramanmaraş earthquake, psychological condition.

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