Examining the factors related to posttraumatic growth in adults experiencing Kahramanmaraş earthquake

The main objective of this study is to analyse the relationship between post-traumatic growth (PTG) in adults who experienced the Kahramanmaraş earthquake and the factors that influence it, and to explore the PTG experience. A mixed-methods approach was used in the study, collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. A Personal Information Form, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Coping Styles Inventory, and Life Satisfaction Scale were administered to 386 adult participants who experienced the Kahramanmaraş earthquake, and the data were analysed using SPSS. In the qualitative part of the study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 participants who experienced the Kahramanmaraş earthquake through a semi-structured interview form. The qualitative data were analysed through the MAXQDA programme with a theme/subtheme design. The quantitative findings show that there are positive and significant relationships between PTG, perceived social support, and life satisfaction. Additionally, coping styles were found to play a mediating role in the relationship between social support and PTG. In particular, positive reinterpretation, use of instrumental social support, acceptance, and planning strategies supported post-traumatic growth, while denial had a limited negative effect. Qualitative findings revealed that adults who experienced trauma after the earthquake experienced PTG in a multidimensional way. PTG was observed to occur in five different areas as follows: personal resilience and empowerment, recognition of new opportunities, changes in spiritual/existential beliefs, valuing life, and transformation in interpersonal relationships. Participants noted that the traumatic experience reshaped their life priorities and search for meaning, that social support and solidarity played a decisive role in the recovery process, and that family and friend relationships were strengthened. Furthermore, it was observed that participants used both individual and collective coping methods during the post-earthquake coping process, and that each individual experienced different paths according to their own life conditions and needs. In conclusion, this study determined that social support, life satisfaction, and coping skills shape PTG, and that some coping strategies support this process while others are obstructive. Recommendations were made for both practitioners and future research in light of these findings.