Traumatic stress in earthquake victims in Turkey: Evaluation in terms of claustrophobia and resilience

Abstract

Background:

All traumatic events threaten an individual’s sense of safety. However, a distinctive feature of disasters is that they threaten not only the safety of individuals but also that of the entire community. Trauma associated with disasters can affect people in many different ways.

Aim:

This study aimed to determine the levels of posttraumatic stress and the prevalence of claustrophobia among earthquake survivors following the İzmir earthquake in Turkey and to assess their psychological resilience.

Method:

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2022 using a known-population sampling method with individuals affected by the 2020 İzmir earthquake. A total of 383 participants were included. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews via the PTSD Scale, the DSM-5 PCL-5, and the RSA Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.0, including t-tests, one-way ANOVA, correlation, and regression analyses.

Results:

Fifty-eight percent of the earthquake survivors who participated in the study lived in container housing for more than 6 months. According to the mean PTSD scores, 50.1% of the participants presented mild, 21.4% moderate, 20.9% moderate-to-severe, and 7.6% severe symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. A significant positive correlation was found between PTSD and the DSM-5 PCL-5 (r = .479; p < .01) and between PTSD and RSA (r = .195; p < .05).

Conclusion:

The study demonstrates that earthquake survivors continue to experience significant levels of posttraumatic stress and claustrophobia, particularly those exposed to prolonged displacement in container housing. The positive relationship between PTSD and resilience underscores the protective role of psychological strength, yet highlights the need for targeted support. To improve outcomes, it is essential to integrate early mental health screening, resilience-focused interventions, and trauma-informed care into disaster response. Enhancing the quality and psychological safety of temporary housing should also be prioritized. These measures can significantly contribute to both individual recovery and broader community resilience.