Exploring the moderating role of gender in the effect of earthquake resilience on earthquake anxiety

In Türkiye, earthquakes have painfully reminded us in the recent past, and as a result, earthquake anxiety is widespread. Determining the impact of earthquake resilience (ER), which is thought to alleviate this situation, on earthquake anxiety (EA) and understanding the moderating role of being female and male in this relationship is important for improving preparedness for earthquakes. The aim of this study is to examine the moderating role of gender in the effect of individuals' ER on EA. The study was conducted within Turkish society after the earthquake that left deep scars on February 6, 2023. 582 participants (55% of whom were female) included in the sample completed a demographic information form, an online survey on earthquake resilience, and earthquake anxiety. The results showed a significant but weak negative relationship between ER and EA, with resilience increasing as anxiety decreased. Neither earthquake resilience nor gender had an effect on earthquake anxiety. More importantly, gender did not have any moderating role in the effect of ER on EA. These results may be an important guide for conducting research with different subtypes of earthquake resilience that may be effective for earthquake anxiety.