Relationships between post-traumatic stress, growth, resilience, and flexibility in adult earthquake survivors living in long-term temporary shelter

Aim: This study aims to determine the relationships between PTSD, PTG, psychological resilience, and psychological flexibility in adult earthquake survivors living in long-term temporary shelters and to examine the moderating effect of risk factors such as recent loss and chronic illness on these relationships. Materials and Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted with 514 adults living in temporary shelter centers in Malatya after the February 6, 2023 earthquakes. Data were collected using the Demographic Information Form, BRS, AAQII, PTGI, and PSS-SR. Results: Women were found to have higher PTSD levels and lower psychological resilience (p<0.01). Increased PTSD and psychological inflexibility levels were observed in cases of close loss and chronic illness (p<0.001). Psychological flexibility decreased as the duration of shelter increased (p<0.05). PTG levels were found to show no significant difference with demographic variables other than educational status. A positive relationship was found between PTG and psychological resilience, while no significant relationship was observed with psychological flexibility. A strong positive relationship was found between PTSD and psychological rigidity (r=0.496, p<0.001). It was shown that the effect of psychological rigidity on PTSD was strengthened in cases of recent loss, while the protective effect of psychological resilience weakened in these cases. Conclusion: The findings indicate that post-disaster psychosocial interventions should focus not only on reducing PTSD symptoms but also on supporting positive resources such as psychological resilience, flexibility, and PTG. It is recommended that psychiatric nurses take an active role in this process at both the individual and societal levels.