6 Şubat Kahramanmaraş Depremlerini Yaşayan Üniversite Öğrencilerinde Deprem Korkusu, Dindarlık ve Umutsuzluk İlişkisi
The Relationship Between Fear of Earthquake, Religiosity, and Hopelessness Among University Students Affected by the 6 February Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes

Summary/Abstract: This study investigates the relationship and interaction between fear of earthquakes, religiosity, and hopelessness among university students who experienced the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes on 6 February 2023. Natural disasters such as earthquakes are not only associated with physical destruction but also with profound psychological repercussions, particularly for those directly affected. Within this framework, understanding how fear of earthquakes relates to variables such as hopelessness and religious motivation may provide critical insights for the development of post-disaster psychological interventions. This quantitative study employed a correlational survey design and included 671 university students who were earthquake survivors. The findings reveal that fear of earthquakes is positively associated with hopelessness, whereas religiosity exhibits a negative association. In other words, higher levels of fear are linked to increased hopelessness, while individuals with stronger religiosity tend to demonstrate more hopeful attitudes. No significant correlation was found between fear of earthquakes and religiosity. Given the observed mitigating role of religiosity on hopelessness, it is recommended that spiritual counseling services be utilized more effectively in the aftermath of disasters. Integrating psychotherapeutic approaches aimed at reducing the psychological impact of earthquake-related fear with religious and spiritual guidance may positively contribute to the recovery processes of those affected by the earthquake. The study underscores the necessity for post-disaster psychological interventions to go beyond addressing trauma and fear alone, advocating for the inclusion of religious and spiritual dimensions. However, the findings must be interpreted with caution, taking into account limitations related to cultural context and sample characteristics. Future research is encouraged to incorporate more diverse age groups and cultural settings, and to utilize longitudinal and qualitative methods to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of these dynamics.

• Details
• Contents