Unveiling the Healing Power of Spirituality: Exploring the Impact on Post-Earthquake Trauma among Türkiye Survivors

Abstract

Natural disasters such as earthquakes have a profound effect on the psychological well-being of individuals affected by earthquakes. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between post-earthquake trauma levels and spiritual well-being and various sociodemographic variables of individuals affected by the earthquake in Turkey on 6 February 2023. Relational survey model of quantitative research method was used in the study. The sample of the study consists of 440 participants who were reached by convenience sampling technique from earthquake survivors in 11 provinces in Turkey who experienced the earthquake centred in Pazarcık District of Kahramanmaraş Province in Turkey. The Scale for Determining the Level of Post-Earthquake Trauma, Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and Sociodemographic Information Form were used as data collection tools in the study. The data obtained were analysed using one-way analysis of variance, t-test and simple regression analysis. As a result of the study, it was determined that there was a low level, negative and significant relationship between the participants' post-earthquake trauma levels and their spiritual well-being. While there was no significant difference in terms of post-earthquake trauma level between the groups with different residence, education level, and frequency of religious beliefs, a significant difference was found between the post-earthquake trauma level and variables such as gender, age, loss of relatives in the earthquake, perceived economic status, and damage status of the house. The findings provide valuable information on the importance of spiritual well-being in alleviating post-earthquake trauma and emphasise the potential of including spiritual support in disaster management and mental health interventions.