Traumatic stress and eating-related behaviours after the 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes: a cross-sectional comparative study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of traumatic stress caused by the earthquake centred in Kahramanmaraş on 6 February 2023 on eating behaviours. Method In this case-control study, individuals who directly experienced the earthquake (n = 602) were compared with those indirectly affected (n = 615); Participants completed an online survey providing sociodemographic information, earthquake experience, anthropometric data, and responses to the Post-Earthquake Trauma Level Determination Scale, Salzburg Emotional Eating Scale, SCOFF Eating Disorders Scale, and Mindful Eating Questionnaire. Results The study showed that trauma levels were significantly higher in individuals who experienced the earthquake, accompanied by an increased risk of eating disorders (p < 0.001). Additionally, a significant decrease was observed in mindful eating, particularly in the subdimensions of mindfulness (p < 0.001) and conscious nutrition (p = 0.008) in this group. Emotional eating behaviours were observed at high levels not only in individuals with traumatic experiences but also in all individuals prone to negative emotions such as anger (p = 0.002) and anxiety (p = 0.005). After the earthquake, women were found to have higher tendencies toward trauma, emotional eating caused by sadness, and eating disorders (p < 0.01, p = 0.04, p < 0.01, respectively). Earthquake experience and socio-demographic variables were found to be significant predictors of trauma level (Model 1: R²=0.248; F = 45.640; p < 0.001), emotional eating (Model 2: R²=0.074; F = 11.847; p < 0.001), mindful eating (Model 3: R²=0.062; F = 9.932; p < 0.001), and eating disorders (Model 4: R²=0.096; F = 15.423; p < 0.001). Conclusion Large-scale natural disasters have long-term effects not only on psychological but also on behavioural health. In the post-disaster period, it is critical for protective public health practices to assess individuals' mental health as well as their eating behaviours and to provide integrated psychosocial support and nutritional counselling.
Source: Journal of Eating Disorders
Authors: Hakan Toğuç, Büşra Hökelek
Institution: Inonu University
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,190
OpenAlex ID: W7161967194