AI Insight
This study examined the experiences of 37 mothers with young children (ages 4-6) living in container cities following the devastating earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey on February 6, 2023. Children exhibited emotional, behavioral, and physical reactions to the trauma, while mothers struggled with parenting challenges including overprotection and behavior management in unsafe, cramped conditions. The container city environment created additional stressors through lack of personal space, restricted children's activities, and placed significant emotional and practical burdens on mothers attempting to maintain family functioning.
Why it matters
The findings identify specific support needs for displaced families in post-disaster temporary housing, including emotional support services, parenting education, and safe spaces for children. Understanding these challenges can inform disaster response policies and mental health interventions for families living in emergency accommodation following natural disasters.
Understand the Science
IntroductionThe twin earthquakes that struck on February 6, 2023, centered in Kahramanmaraş/Türkiye, caused widespread destruction in the region and completely transformed daily life. This study aims to examine the earthquake’s impact on children, the experience of motherhood following the earthquake, the effects of life in a container city on this process, and the needs of mothers and children.MethodsData were collected through semi-structured interviews with 37 mothers living in a container city in the region who have children aged 4–6.ResultsData analysis revealed that after the earthquake, children developed emotional, behavioral, and physical reactions, while mothers faced parenting challenges related to behavior management, overprotection, and quality time. Additionally, it was observed that the conditions in the container city were unsafe, leading to restrictions on the children; the cramped nature of the container area and the lack of personal space strained family relationships; and the chaos and responsibilities placed significant pressure on the mothers.ConclusionMothers expressed that they personally need emotional and social support, as well as training on emotional and self-regulation regarding their children, safe environments, positive social relationships, self-care, self-confidence, and communication with their children. They also expressed a need for training on parental attitudes and behaviors, child psychology, health, and development, addictions, attachment, safety, privacy, special needs, and structured activities.
Source: The experience of motherhood in a container city: the effects of the earthquake and changing needs