Examination of anxiety and social-emotional adjustment in 60-72 month old children who experienced an earthquake disaster

The general aim of this research is to examine the relationship between the anxiety levels of preschool children who experienced the February 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquake and their social-emotional adaptation. The study conducted for this purpose was conducted using the relational screening model, which is one of the quantitative research methods. The universe of this study consists of children who continue preschool education in the 2023-2024 academic year and live in container areas in Kahramanmaraş province. The sample of the study was determined by the criterion sampling method from purposeful samples. The sample group consists of 133 preschool children who experienced the February 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes and are receiving education in kindergartens/kindergartens provided preschool education in 4 container areas established in Kahramanmaraş province. In order to examine the relationship between the anxiety levels of children attending preschool education and their social-emotional adaptation; The Anxiety Scale (Teacher) form and the Anxiety Scale (Parent) form were used to determine their anxiety levels, and the Marmara Social-Emotional Adaptation Scale was used as a data collection tool to examine their social-emotional adaptation. The Marmara Social Emotional Adaptation Scale was filled out by both teachers and parents. The study data was analyzed with SPSS 25.0, and according to the findings obtained; it was determined that children with high social emotional adaptation had low anxiety (parent) levels. Similarity was found in the results regarding anxiety in both teacher and parent findings. It was concluded that anxiety could be observed in children affected by natural disasters, and that children were anxious both at school and at home. From the results obtained from the demographic information of the study, it was seen that the father's age and employment status did not affect anxiety and social emotion. In addition, it was determined that income status and loss of life did not affect children's anxiety and social emotional adaptation levels, whereas loss of property affected both anxiety and social emotional adaptation levels. Within the scope of the study, it is thought that all support provided for the social emotional adaptation of children affected by natural disasters will have a positive effect on children's anxiety levels. Key words: Natural disaster, anxiety, social emotional adaptation, preschool education