Metaphorical perceptions of university students experiencing Kahramanmaraş Pazarcık and Elbistan earthquakes on the concept of 'earthquake': case of physiotherapy and rehabilitation department

Purpose: This study was carried out to determine the metaphorical perceptions of the earthquake of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation students who experienced the Kahramanmaraş, Pazarcık and Elbistan earthquakes. Methods: In the study, phenomenology research design based on qualitative research approach was used. The participants of the research consist of 120 students who experienced the February 6 Kahramanmaraş Pazarcık-Elbistan earthquakes, studying at Hasan Kalyoncu University Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department in the 2022-2023 academic Results: The students reproduced a total of 51 metaphors. As a result of the analysis of these metaphors, 9 categories were determined. It is seen that a large number of metaphors have been produced in this study about ‘doomsday’, ‘death’, ‘helplessness’ and ‘disaster’. The most metaphors were produced in the categories of ’End of life’ (f:31), ‘Natural event’ (f:20), ‘Despair-related’ (f:18) and ‘State of Health’ (f: 16). Conclusion: It is seen from the metaphors that Kahramanmaraş Pazarcik and Elbistan earthquakes have more negative effects on the minds of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation students. Since the impact of the earthquake will continue for some time on the educational life and psychosocial state of the students, it is important to establish a professional team and their supporting. Putting a course in the curriculum specifically in the ‘earthquake’ plan and in the ‘disaster’ plan in general may contribute to their being able to get through this process with less impact.