Determining the Relationship Between Loneliness and Social Support in Adolescents Affected by the Earthquake: A Study From Turkey
Fatma Kurudirek, Kamile Çiftci, Zeynep Demir İmamoğlu, Zülbiye Demir BarbakAbstract
Objective
This study was conducted to determine the relationship between loneliness and social support in adolescents affected by the earthquake.
Method
This descriptive correlational study was conducted in April-May 2023 with 549 adolescents aged 12-18 living in 11 provinces affected by the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake in Turkey. In this study, the snowball sampling method was used. Data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.
Statistical analyses included independent t-test, one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey HSD and Dunnett’s tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis.
Results
Most adolescents were significantly affected by the earthquake. Their loneliness score was below average, while their perceived social support score was above average. There was a significant negative relationship between loneliness and perceived social support. Key factors influencing loneliness included satisfaction with current living conditions, loss of relatives, and feelings of loneliness post-earthquake.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the critical role of social support in reducing loneliness among adolescents affected by the earthquake. Enhancing social support networks and addressing factors such as living conditions and loss experiences are crucial for improving the psychological well-being of disaster-affected adolescents.