Investigation of the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between earthquake fear and hope in adults

The aim of this study is threefold. First, the relationship between fear of earthquakes, self-compassion, and hope was examined. Second, the levels of earthquake fear among adults were investigated in relation to variables such as gender, age, personal experience with the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake, and previous exposure to earthquakes. Third, the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between earthquake fear and hope was analyzed. The research is descriptive in nature, and the sample consists of 425 individuals aged 18 and above, residing in various cities across Türkiye. The data collection tools included the Earthquake Fear Scale, the Short Form of the Self-Compassion Scale, the Dispositional Hope Scale, and a Personal Information Form prepared by the researcher. Furthermore, the survey was administered both online and face-to-face. The data obtained were analyzed using software. Initially, preliminary analyses were conducted. Pearson Correlation Analysis was used to examine the relationships between the research variables. The results indicated significant relationships: a negative correlation between earthquake fear and self-compassion, a negative correlation between earthquake fear and hope, and a positive correlation between hope and self-compassion. Subsequently, to examine whether levels of earthquake fear varied according to different variables, independent samples t-tests and ANOVA were conducted. The analyses revealed whether there were significant differences in earthquake fear levels based on gender, age, earthquake experience, and personal impact from the February 6, 2023 earthquake. In the next phase, the PROCESS macro developed by Hayes (2018) and contemporary approach were used to investigate the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between earthquake fear and hope. The statistical significance and magnitude of the mediation effect were assessed through the bootstrapped confidence intervals. Based on the findings, it was concluded that self-compassion served as a full mediator in the relationship between earthquake fear and hope. The results were discussed in the context of the existing literature, and recommendations were offered for researchers and practitioners.