DOI: 10.31067/acusaglik.1990464 ISSN: 1309-470X

Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Psychological Resilience Among Fathers Exposed and Not Exposed to the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes

Hanifi Dülger, Hacer Yalnız Dilcen, Güleser Ada, Feyza Demir Bozkurt, Yeliz Çakır Koçak
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Objective: Earthquakes are associated with substantial psychological consequences, including depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Fathers may be particularly vulnerable because of their central role in maintaining family functioning. Therefore, this study aimed to compare depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychological resilience between fathers exposed and not exposed to the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study included 118 fathers living in the Kahramanmaraş region during the earthquake and 87 fathers residing in unaffected regions. The study sample was established using a convenience sampling strategy. Information for the study was obtained through the Sociodemographic and Earthquake Impact Questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), the PTSD Short Scale, and the Brief Psychological Resilience Scale (BPRS). Data were analyzed to compare symptom levels and psychological resilience across the two groups.Results: Fathers exposed to the earthquake had significantly higher stress, anxiety, depression, total DASS-21, and PTSD scores than fathers residing in unaffected regions (all p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in psychological resilience between the two groups (p = 0.078). DASS-21 total and subscale scores were positively correlated with PTSD and negatively correlated with psychological resilience in both groups.Conclusion: Fathers exposed to the earthquake reported higher levels of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and stress than fathers living in unaffected regions. These findings highlight the need to expand father-focused psychosocial services after disasters to support family functioning and promote the emotional well-being of family members.

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