The role of social support in antisocial behaviors among young adults experiencing PTSD symptoms following the February 6 Earthquake

This study examines the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and antisocial behaviors in young adults (18-24 years) exposed to the February 6, 2023 earthquake, and investigates the mediating/moderating role of perceived social support and childhood traumas in this relationship. A total of 267 young adults who were in one of the 11 provinces affected by the earthquake at the time and who directly felt the earthquake participated in the research. The data collection process utilized a Demographic Information Form, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Antisocial Behavior Scale.The research findings revealed a significant positive relationship between PTSD symptoms and antisocial behaviors. It was found that childhood traumas had both a partial mediating and a moderating role in this relationship; whereas social support created a significant buffering effect in the relationship between specific PTSD subdimensions (particularly negative alterations in cognition and mood and hyperarousal) and antisocial behaviors. Furthermore, variables related to earthquake exposure significantly affected the levels of PTSD symptoms and antisocial behavior. The findings indicate that childhood traumas and social support play a role in the psychological well-being of individuals exposed to trauma. These results provide important contributions for identifying risk groups and strengthening social support mechanisms in post-disaster mental health interventions.