Analysis of adaptation processes and anxiety levels of university students staying with earthquake survivor families in state dormitories
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the adaptation processes and anxiety levels of university students living with earthquake survivor families placed in state dormitories after recent major earthquakes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in a state dormitory between May and August 2023. A total of 108 students participated using the snowball sampling method. Data were collected through a Descriptive Characteristics Form and the Beck Anxiety Scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and linear regression using SPSS 25.0. RESULTS: Among the participants, 49% reported increased frequency of contact with their families after the earthquake. Sharing the same dormitory space with earthquake-affected families led to limited personal space for 56%, emotional impact for 51%, and benefits such as emotional support for 56%. Additionally, 45% noted changes in their attitudes, 46% in their social lives, and 56% in their social responsibility awareness. Regression analysis showed that sharing the same environment with families explained 33.7% of the variance in Beck anxiety scores. A significant positive relationship was found between cohabitation with families and anxiety levels (B=0.337, p<0.001), where each unit increase in cohabitation was associated with a 5.379-point increase in anxiety scores. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that post-earthquake family cohabitation significantly affects students' psychological and social well-being. Living in close proximity to affected family members increases anxiety levels. Providing psychological support services for students is crucial to reduce anxiety and facilitate post-disaster recovery and adaptation.
Source: BMC Psychiatry
Authors: İbrahim Dağ, Kadriye Olğaç
Institution: Mardin Artuklu University
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,290
OpenAlex ID: W4413288793