The multiple mediation role of emotion regulation in the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and depression among adolescents who experienced the Kahramanmaraş-centred earthquakes on February 6, 2023

The aim of this study is to examine the multiple mediating role of emotion regulation methods in the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in adolescents who experienced the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023. The study group consisted of 464 high school students, 255 female (55%) and 209 male (45%), who were studying at various secondary schools in the Adıyaman province during the 2024-2025 academic year. The age range of the students in the study was 14–18 years old, with a mean age of 16.13 years and a standard deviation of 1.16 years. Data were collected using the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Adolescents (ERQ-A) and a personal information form. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis and Hayes' ordinary least squares regression-based parallel multiple mediation analysis were employed for mediation analysis. According to the findings of the study, the mediation of internal dysfunctional emotion regulation and external dysfunctional emotion regulation in the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and depression was found to be statistically significant. According to the study's findings, mediation through both internal and external dysfunctional emotion regulation in the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression was statistically significant. However, the mediation of internal and external functional emotion regulation strategies was not found to be statistically significant. The study's findings were discussed comprehensively within the framework of existing literature, and recommendations were made for researchers and experts in the field. Keywords: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); depression; emotion regulation; adolescence; earthquake.