Taner AKARSU, Ayşen MERT, Fatma Sıla AYAN
Health Sciences Quarterly - 2026;6(3):429-438
Natural disasters such as landslides cause not only physical damage but also lead to significant psychological consequences for affected individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic embitterment in individuals exposed to a landslide. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 51 adults residing in a village affected by a recent landslide in Türkiye. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using validated scales to assess post-traumatic stress and embitterment symptoms. Statistical analyses included group comparisons, correlation, and regression modeling. No significant differences were found in post-traumatic stress and embitterment scores based on sociodemographic characteristics. However, a strong positive relationship was identified between post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic embitterment levels. Disaster mental health strategies should address both stress and embitterment responses. Future research should examine these psychological outcomes in more diverse and larger populations across different types of disasters. The findings suggest that individuals experiencing high levels of post-traumatic stress are also likely to experience post-traumatic embitterment. This highlights the need for a broader understanding of emotional reactions to disasters.
