Exploring the Psychological Consequences and Coping Strategies of Architecture Students Following the Massive Earthquakes in Turkey

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the psychological impact of earthquakes on architecture students in Turkey. The study involved 96 participants from two different universities who completed an online survey. The survey assessed participants’ experiences of earthquake-related distress, their coping strategies, and their perceived social support. Results showed that a significant proportion of participants reported experiencing high levels of distress following the earthquake, with female participants reporting higher levels of distress than males. Coping strategies included seeking emotional support from friends and family, engaging in religious practices, and engaging in physical activity. Perceived social support was found to be a significant predictor of earthquake-related distress, with higher levels of social support associated with lower levels of distress. These findings highlight the importance of providing support to architecture students who are affected by earthquakes, and suggest that interventions that focus on enhancing social support may be effective in reducing earthquake-related distress. This is the first study that attempted to assess the psychological wellbeing of university students in the aftermath of the catastrophic Kahramanmaras, Turkey earthquake in 2023, which caused thousands of fatalities and serious injuries, including limb amputations. Essentially, this study adds to the existing literature on the psychological impact of earthquakes, and has important implications for the design of interventions aimed at supporting individuals who are affected by natural disasters.