Work

Shared suffering predicts prosocial commitment among Turkish earthquake survivors

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Previous research suggests that the perception of shared emotion associated with personally transformative events can foster a strong form of social bonding known as 'identity fusion', which motivates pro-group action. Here we test predictions from this model among Turkish citizens and Syrian refugees following the catastrophic earthquakes in Turkey on February 6th, 2023. The lead researcher administered surveys in person to 120 Turkish earthquake survivors in the most heavily affected areas. In line with our predictions, mean levels of identity fusion significantly increased with perceived shared suffering for both Turkish and Syrian groups. Further, identity fusion predicted prosocial commitment, measured by the expressed willingness of earthquake survivors to volunteer assistance to disaster victims. Remarkably, participants were as likely to pledge help to other Turkish earthquake survivors as they were to their own families. This study contributes to a growing understanding of how shared suffering facilitates group bonding and cooperation, both within and across social groups.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-90921-4

Authors: Sevgi Demiroglu, Claire White, Dimitris Xygalatas, Danielle Morales, Andrew Ainsworth, Harvey Whitehouse

Institutions: University of Connecticut, California State University, Northridge, University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: Social and Intergroup Psychology

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690