Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Psychological Resilience Among Fathers Exposed and Not Exposed to the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes

Abstract

Objective: Earthquakes are associated with substantial psychological consequences, including depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Fathers may be particularly vulnerable because of their central role in maintaining family functioning. Therefore, this study aimed to compare depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychological resilience between fathers exposed and not exposed to the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study included 118 fathers living in the Kahramanmaraş region during the earthquake and 87 fathers residing in unaffected regions. The study sample was established using a convenience sampling strategy. Information for the study was obtained through the Sociodemographic and Earthquake Impact Questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), the PTSD Short Scale, and the Brief Psychological Resilience Scale (BPRS). Data were analyzed to compare symptom levels and psychological resilience across the two groups.Results: Fathers exposed to the earthquake had significantly higher stress, anxiety, depression, total DASS-21, and PTSD scores than fathers residing in unaffected regions (all p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in psychological resilience between the two groups (p = 0.078). DASS-21 total and subscale scores were positively correlated with PTSD and negatively correlated with psychological resilience in both groups.Conclusion: Fathers exposed to the earthquake reported higher levels of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and stress than fathers living in unaffected regions. These findings highlight the need to expand father-focused psychosocial services after disasters to support family functioning and promote the emotional well-being of family members.