AI Insight
This study examined post-earthquake trauma levels in 359 athletes affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquakes in Turkey, finding that athletes experienced above-average trauma despite physical activity being a common coping mechanism. Female athletes, those who lost relatives, and those who lost their homes exhibited significantly higher trauma symptoms. The research demonstrates that athletic status alone does not provide sufficient protection against earthquake-induced psychological trauma.
Why it matters
The findings challenge assumptions that athletes' physical training and mental resilience automatically buffer them against disaster-related psychological harm. This highlights the need for targeted mental health interventions for disaster survivors that account for gender differences and material losses, regardless of athletic background.
Understand the Science
Natural disasters not only cause physical destruction but also lead to various psychological problems affecting the mental health of individuals. This study was conducted to determine the levels of post-earthquake trauma in athletes who experienced earthquakes and whether certain variables made a difference in this situation. The sample of the study consisted of 359 athletes living in 11 provinces affected by the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, on February 6, 2023. Participants were reached using the Snowball Sampling Method. The Sociodemographic Information Form and the Post-Earthquake Trauma Level Determination Scale were used to collect data. As a result of the descriptive statistics, it was seen that athletes experienced above-average earthquake trauma (M = 65.84). When examined in terms of sociodemographic variables, it was found that women showed more symptoms of earthquake trauma than men, those who experienced the loss of relatives showed more symptoms than those who did not, and those who experienced the loss of a home showed more symptoms than those who did not. In conclusion, while exercise and physical activity are methods used to cope with trauma, being an athlete alone is not sufficient to cope with earthquake trauma. Women, whether athletes or not, experience more earthquake trauma than men. Losing relatives exacerbates the trauma caused by the earthquake. Furthermore, the loss of a home, which prevents individuals from meeting some basic physiological needs, is a significant factor in earthquake trauma.
Source: Post-disaster psychological effects: identifying earthquake-induced trauma in athletes