Trauma and related measures one year after the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye: post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic growth, spiritual well-being, and self-compassion

The 7.7- and 7.6-magnitude earthquakes that struck Türkiye on 6 February 2023 generated considerable material and moral damage. Traumas, such as earthquakes, often lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals; however, trauma may have the effect of transforming individuals in a positive sense, promoting post-traumatic growth (PTG). Although it is not possible to prevent trauma, reducing the adverse effects of trauma and focusing on positive opportunities and outcomes may help individuals to progress in more healthy ways. This study focused on the relationship between PTSD and PTG among earthquake survivors. It examined the potential mediating roles of self-compassion and spiritual well-being and their effects on PTG. Data were obtained from 390 survivors one year after the earthquake. Participants completed scales assessing PTSD (earthquake-related), PTG, self-compassion, and spiritual well-being. The results indicated that PTSD symptoms often persisted one year after earthquake-related trauma. Individuals with high PTSD scores also had high PTG scores. Self-compassion and spiritual well-being in coping with traumatic events mediated the relationship between PTSD and PTG. Thus, while the adverse psychological effects of the earthquake often persisted a year later, high levels of self-compassion and spiritual well-being after trauma appeared to exert positive effects and reduce PTSD. The findings may help guide future efforts of mental health professionals to reduce the traumatic effects of earthquakes.