Earthquake survivor women's life after the earthquake adaptation experiences and psychosocial support needs

This study aims to explore the post-earthquake life adaptation experiences and psychosocial support needs of female earthquake survivors who migrated to the city of Mersin following the 2023 Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake disaster in Türkiye. Adopting a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 female participants, selected through purposive sampling, all currently residing in Mersin. The average age of participants was 35.5 years; 80% were married and approximately 60% of those had children. Half of the women were actively employed, while the other half were not working at the time of the study. The data were analyzed through content analysis, and meaningful themes and subthemes were derived. The study aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of how these women navigated the psychological, emotional, and social consequences of disaster trauma, as well as their expressed needs for psychosocial support. The findings revealed that the participants experienced ongoing psychological distress, including persistent anxiety, sleep disturbances, hypervigilance, and a recurring fear of another earthquake. Coping strategies varied and included engaging in work, focusing on children, seeking hobbies, and suppressing emotions. Notably, gender roles were found to exacerbate emotional strain, with women expressing multiple role conflicts and social withdrawal. Many participants reported a perceived lack of formal and informal support systems, highlighting gaps in institutional and communal responses to post-disaster needs. However, some women also demonstrated signs of resilience and post-traumatic growth. The study concludes that psychosocial support mechanisms tailored specifically to women's needs are essential in mitigating long-term psychological impacts and supporting recovery in the aftermath of disasters. Keywords: Earthquake, Women, Psychosocial Support, Trauma, Coping Strategies.