A Qualitative Social-Psychological Analysis of Earthquake Preparedness and Non-Preparedness Among the Survivors of the 2011 Van Earthquake

This study explores the similarities and differences in earthquake preparedness behaviors among individuals who experienced the 2011 Van earthquake. Using a qualitative research approach, 14 participants (8 females, 6 males) aged 35 and above were selected through criterion and snowball sampling methods. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, an earthquake preparedness and experience form, and semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analyzed thematically using MAXQDA 24, after categorizing participants into two groups: those with earthquake preparedness behavior and those without. Descriptive findings indicate that participants' perceptions of earthquake preparedness are high at the attitudinal level and that the majority of them have experienced earthquakes resulting in physical and psychological losses. The thematic analysis revealed key differences between these groups, focusing on perceptions of social norms, confidence in structural resilience and the effectiveness of preparedness measures, psychological states such as anxiety and forgetfulness, perceptions of the unpredictable and uncertain nature of earthquakes, fatalism and belief systems, and perceptions of individual and community barriers. Prepared participants were confident in their homes' resilience and the preparedness measures they had taken and followed social norms in their preparations, while unprepared individuals generally held fatalistic views and questioned the necessity of preparation. Unprepared participants questioned the need to prepare for earthquakes and refrained from taking concrete steps to prepare. Both groups expressed concerns about government and construction sector responsibilities, offering varied recommendations on structural safety and public awareness initiatives. This study contributes to the limited literature comparing earthquake-prepared and unprepared individuals, highlighting the role of complex social-psychological factors in shaping preparedness behavior. The results suggest that local governments and educational policies should be reformed to enhance public awareness and promote earthquake preparedness.