An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experiences of women with ethnic minority identity after the February 6 earthquake

The aim of this research is to understand how Arab Alevi women in Hatay experienced their negative feelings after the February 6 earthquakes, their coping mechanisms, and their psychological resilience factors from their own perspectives. A qualitative research method was employed in this research. To focus on subjective experiences, interpretative phenomenological analysis was preferred as methodology. To create a homogeneous sample, eight Arab Alevi women aged between 35-60, who are married, have children, and continued to live in Hatay after the earthquake, were included in the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Seven main themes emerged from the analysis that are Feelings of inadequacy and guilt as a mother, Feelings of shame as a Help-Seeker, Notion of "I have to be strong", Feelings of unwantedness and otherness, Being exposed to husband's anger and lack of emotional support from the husband, Mourning the loss of the city they feel attached to, and The strenghts that helped them through the post-earthquake process. Accordingly, the most prominent negative experiences and emotions of the participants were feelings of inadequacy towards their children and feelings of otherness due to the lack of state support. The factors that facilitated the participants' coping mechanisms and increased their psychological resilience were found to be family ties, solidarity networks, and employment. In the discussion section, these themes are analyzed in a dialog with the relevant literature through the perspective of schema therapy. Additionally, the clinical implications of the findings are evaluated and recommendations for future research and practice are presented. Keywords: Coping, Earthquake, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Negative Emotions, Psychological Resilience