Türkiye’de 06 Şubat 2023 Kahramanmaraş Merkezli Depremlerin Girişimcilere Psikolojik Etkileri
The Psychological Effects of the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş-Centered Earthquakes on Entrepreneurs in Türkiye

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine the psychological effects of the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes that occurred in Türkiye on February 6, 2023, on entrepreneurs. Due to time and cost constraints, the study was conducted in the provinces most affected by the earthquake: Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman, Malatya, Gaziantep, and Hatay. A semi-structured interview technique was employed as the data collection method. In-depth interviews were conducted with representatives from the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chambers of Commerce, Chambers of Industry, and Commodity Exchanges across these five provinces, following scheduled appointments. As a result of the qualitative analyses, the psychological effects of the earthquake were categorized into five dimensions: fatalities and injuries, mental health, self-confidence/insecurity, resilience to stress, and motivation. The findings indicate that the most significant psychological impact was the closure or inability to reopen businesses due to the death or severe injury of entrepreneurs and their employees. It was observed that mental health problems had long-term effects and significantly weakened entrepreneurial motivation and resilience. Factors such as economic uncertainty and the loss of property and networks caused a decline in self-confidence; some entrepreneurs were unable to find the strength to start again. On the other hand, some entrepreneurs demonstrated a tendency to recover, showing efforts to rise again with resilience and a sense of social responsibility.

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