The predictive effect of hope and self-efficacy on post-traumatic growth: Example of disaster victims of women

Many studies conducted after the earthquake reveal the difficulties experienced by women during this period. However, studies have shown that women recover more from traumatic experiences than men, despite all the difficulties they experience. Therefore, it is extremely important to examine the factors that enable women to grow after trauma. This study aims to examine the predictive effects of hope and self-efficacy on the post-traumatic growth levels of female disaster victims. The study group of the research consists of 410 female earthquake victims between the ages of 18-65 who were exposed to the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake in Turkey on February 6, 2023. "Personal Information Form", "Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory", "Continuous Hope Scale" and "General Self-Efficacy Scale" were used as data collection tools in the research. Data were collected via Google form and Independent Sample t-test, One Way Anova, Pearson Correlation analysis and Regression analysis were used to analyze the data. According to the results, independent variables explain 23% of psychological well-being. According to the standardized regression coefficient, the relative importance order of the predictor variables on post-traumatic growth; general self-efficacy, active thoughts, employment status, damage status, education level, income level, loss of a relative, number of children, psychological support, alternative ways, marital status. When the p values regarding the significance of the regression coefficients are examined; The variables of general self-efficacy and agentic thoughts, which are sub-dimensions of trait hope, have a significant effect. The findings obtained were discussed with other studies on post-traumatic growth and suggestions were made accordingly.