Moderating role of psychological resilience in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and post-earthquake trauma

While initial studies on the psychological effects of traumatic experiences mainly focused on post-traumatic stress reactions, it has long been a question why some individuals show greater resistance to such experiences (Gibbs, 1989; Holgersen et al., 2011; Holen, 1990; Werner, 1989). This resistance, conceptualized as psychological resilience, has gained clarity through studies exploring its relationship with various psychological and environmental factors. Research has shown that psychological resilience can be strengthened by factors such as perceived social support, coping styles, and sense of coherence. On the other hand, adverse childhood experiences that negatively impact psychological development are known to increase vulnerability to traumatic events such as natural disasters (Coates et al., 2013; Lowe et al., 2015; Sakız & Aftab, 2019; Taylor et al., 2010; Todd & Worell, 2000).This study aimed to examine whether perceived social support, coping styles, and sense of coherence predict psychological resilience, and whether psychological resilience moderates the relationship between childhood trauma and post-earthquake PTSD symptoms. The sample consisted of 346 participants: 140 individuals (47% women) who were directly affected by the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, and 206 individuals (67% women) from non-affected regions serving as a control group. Data were collected using a convenience sampling method. Participants completed the Demographic Information Form, Resilience Scale for Adults, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, Revised Sense of Coherence Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Ways of Coping Inventory. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and AMOS software. Findings indicated that in the control group, the Revised Sense of Coherence, Perceived Social Support, and sub-dimensions of the Ways of Coping Inventory—namely Self-Confident Approach, Helpless Approach, Submissive Approach, and Seeking Social Support—significantly predicted psychological resilience (p < .00). However, psychological resilience did not have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between childhood trauma and PTSD (β2 = .27, p = .88). Similarly, in the earthquake-affected group, the Revised Sense of Coherence, Perceived Social Support, Self-Confident Approach, and Submissive Approach significantly predicted psychological resilience (p < .00), yet its moderating role between childhood trauma and PTSD was not significant (β2 = 1.09, p = .30). These findings invite a critical re-evaluation of the generalizability of existing literature and suggest the need for more comprehensive research models. Future studies should include larger and more diverse samples, adopt longitudinal designs to better observe the role of psychological resilience over time, and consider personality traits such as optimism and hopefulness that may independently contribute to resilience.