The Sound of Ruined Cities: Being Adolescent in Earthquake: A Photovoice Study

As in all other traumas, children and adolescents are more sensitive and vulnerable to the effects of earthquakes. This study aimed to understand the earthquake experiences of adolescent survivors. This study is a qualitative study in which the photovoice method was used. The research was completed with 15 volunteer adolescents between the ages of 12 and 16 living in a/tent container city because their houses were destroyed or heavily damaged after the earthquake. The analysis revealed three themes: helplessness, anger, sadness, loss, miss, anxiety and fear (emotional wounds), changes in life (change of routines, issues with the shelter, tent life) and coping with challenges (support, sharing, hope, common pain, gratitude, believe creator). The results showed that these individuals faced significant physiological and emotional challenges, grappling with changes in their lives and struggling to maintain a sense of normality. However, the study also highlighted the positive influence of support from various sources, such as social connections and spirituality. It was emphasised that the photovoice method facilitated self-reflection, exploration of values and recognition of strengths and could be an adolescent therapeutic strategy for further research.