Cultural adaptation and feasibility of SOLAR on reducing psychological distress among mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) workers post-earthquake in Türkiye: Proof of concept

The earthquakes that occurred in Türkiye on February 6, 2023, had a significant psychological impact on both survivors and those supporting survivors across the country. It is known that mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) workers who provide primary care during and after such disasters often experience secondary traumatic stress and psychological distress. Despite their critical role and direct impact on mental health, interventions addressing their own mental health needs are limited. This proof-of-concept study aimed to evaluate the cultural adaptation, feasibility, and possible effects of a culturally adapted version of Skills for Life Adjustment and Resilience (SOLAR) intervention program among MHPSS workers in Türkiye. For this purpose, first the translation of SOLAR and its cultural adaptation were conducted, by using Ecological Validity Modal (Bernal et al., 2025). A mixed-method, single-group pre-post design was used to test cultural adaptation and feasibility. 11 MHPSS workers (91% female; mean age = 28.3 years), who have subclinical level of distress, no suicidal risk, are at least 18 years of age, and working actively with the earthquake survivors, participated in the adapted SOLAR intervention. Quantitative measures including the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) were administered at baseline and post-intervention. Feasibility outcomes such as recruitment and dropout rates were calculated. Process evaluation interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis. Quantitative outcomes showed significant decreases in secondary traumatic stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms with large effect sizes, while psychological distress did not show clinical significance. Feasibility outcomes represented acceptable levels: eligibility rate (67.9%), recruitment rate (100%), and dropout rate (26.6%). Thematic analysis reported high program acceptability and perceived benefits in skills learned for emotional regulation and useful for professional functioning. The culturally adapted SOLAR appears relevant, feasible, and potentially effective for MHPSS workers in a post-disaster setting. These findings suggest further evaluation in larger samples with controlled trials and highlight the importance of addressing the mental health needs of MHPSS professionals in humanitarian contexts.