Evaluation of earthquake-related perceptions of children who have experienced an earthquake through image analysis

This study aims to examine the perceptions of primary school-aged children regarding the pre-earthquake, post-earthquake, and future periods, following the devastating earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023, in Türkiye. The research was conducted using a qualitative case study design and involved 15 students between the ages of 7 and 10, all of whom were directly affected by the earthquake and resided in Hatay province. The data collection process was planned following a structured implementation guide and carried out through five sessions involving creative activities. During the implementation, children were asked to create characters from modeling clay, listen to astory theme, and then draw three pictures representing the lives of their characters before, after, and in the future following the earthquake. They were also asked to provide either written or oral explanations of their drawings. The visual and verbal data obtained were analyzed using drawing analysis and content analysis methods. The findings revealed that the pre-earthquake period was associated with themes such as peace, safety, social bonds, and harmony with nature. In contrast, the post-earthquake period was reflected through emotions such as fear, loss, uncertainty, and loneliness—often represented by dark colors, disorganized compositions, and dramatic narratives. However, the future-oriented drawings and narratives emphasized hope, reconstruction, and the desire for a safer life.