Secondary traumatic stress, coping with earthquake stress, and disaster preparedness among social media users: A cross-sectional study

Secondary traumatic stress, coping with earthquake stress, and disaster preparedness among social media users: A cross-sectional study I n extraordinary circumstances, such as global disasters and emergencies, social media plays a critical role in disseminating information rapidly, ensuring that events are communicated to the public and the world at large. [1]Under such conditions, social media platforms are often favored over traditional media outlets.Individuals increasingly rely on social media networks, particularly in situations where the urgency and significance of disaster communication are heightened.Consequently, media exposure significantly influences emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. [2]However, this process often leads to the emergence of chaos and a multiplicity of voices, which can result in numerous challenges. [3]The spread of unverified information, biased news, and graphic depictions of violence or horror can induce trauma among individuals. [4]This, in turn, Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between secondary traumatic stress among social media users, coping mechanisms, and disaster preparedness, as well as the factors influencing earthquake preparedness following the Turkey-Syria earthquake on February 6, 2023.Additionally, it seeks to identify the key variables influencing earthquake preparedness in this context. Methods:The study sample comprised 785 participants.Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Characteristics Form, the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale for Social Media Users (STSS-SM), the Coping with Earthquake Stress Scale (CESS), and the Disaster Preparedness Scale (DPS).Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and ranges, were used to summarize the data.The relationships between the scales were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results:The findings revealed a negative correlation between secondary traumatic stress (STSS-SM) and positive reappraisal, whereas a positive correlation was observed between secondary traumatic stress and disaster preparedness.Although no significant relationship was found between religious coping and disaster preparedness, positive reappraisal and social support coping strategies demonstrated a positive association with disaster preparedness.Based on multiple linear regression analyses, the model incorporating STSS-SM, religious coping, positive reappraisal, social support, gender, marital status, and educational status was found to be statistically significant, accounting for 19.8% of the variance in disaster preparedness. Conclusion:This study underscores the relationship between secondary traumatic stress, coping mechanisms, and disaster preparedness among social media users.Additionally, it identifies key variables influencing disaster preparedness, highlighting the importance of considering gender, educational and marital status, stress levels, and coping strategies when formulating measures to enhance disaster preparedness.