‘An unforgettable night’: experiences and coping styles of young adult survivors of the earthquake

This study aimed to find out the experiences and coping styles of young adults affected by the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes that took place on 6 February 2023, during and after the earthquake. Qualitative research method and phenomenological approach were used in the study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 33 young adults who were selected using the purposive sampling technique. The interviews with earthquake survivors were conducted approximately two months after the earthquake and took place in the temporary housing facilities to which they had been relocated. The research findings showed that many young people experienced the night of the earthquake as an unforgettable night. It was also found that the support provided after the earthquake was inadequate to meet the needs of survivors. Certain changes occurred in the family relations and personality traits of survivors after the earthquake. Young adults experienced some difficulties after the earthquake and developed a series of coping mechanisms to overcome such difficulties. At the end of the research, recommendations are made for field workers and policy makers from a psychological perspective.