Akademik Məlumat İdarəetmə Sistemi
Natural Hazards, vol.121, no.19, pp.23171-23196, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study examined the relationships among posttraumatic growth, existential anxiety, and the meaning and purpose of life in individuals affected by the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake. In particular, it explored the mediating roles of these variables and the moderating effects of demographic factors. A quantitative research design was employed. A total of 397 adults from earthquake-affected regions participated in the study (61.2% female, 38.8% male; age range = 18–60+, with the largest group aged 18–25 years [39.8%]). The data collection tools included the Meaning and Purpose of Life Scale, the Existential Anxiety Scale, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Data were collected between August and November 2023. Analyses were conducted using SPSS 24.0 and the PROCESS Macro (version 4.3). Mediation analysis indicated that existential anxiety partially mediated the relationship between posttraumatic growth and the meaning and purpose of life (β = 0.242, p <.001). Moreover, the meaning and purpose of life fully mediated the relationship between existential anxiety and posttraumatic growth (β = -0.082, p =.224). Additionally, existential anxiety also served as a partial mediator in the relationship between posttraumatic growth and the meaning and purpose of life (β = -0.461, p <.001). Moderation analysis revealed that demographic variables such as income, age, and education significantly moderated these relationships. Notably, the impact of posttraumatic growth on existential anxiety was attenuated among individuals with higher income levels. The study reveals complex interrelations among posttraumatic growth, existential anxiety, and the meaning and purpose of life, along with the moderating role of demographic variables. The findings can inform the design of intervention programs—such as psychosocial support, education, and crisis response—that aim to foster posttraumatic growth, facilitate psychological recovery, and enhance the development of meaning in life for individuals affected by disasters.