# Post-Traumatic Growth in Volunteers Following the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes

## TL;DR

This study explores how volunteers involved in the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes experienced personal growth despite trauma.

## Contribution

The study identifies gender and other factors influencing post-traumatic growth in disaster volunteers.

## Key findings

- Gender significantly affects total post-traumatic growth scores.
- Volunteers reported positive changes in self-concept and life philosophy after trauma.
- Trauma symptoms coexisted with post-traumatic growth in disaster responders.

## Abstract

The 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes were devastating events that caused widespread destruction. This mixed-methods study examined post-traumatic growth (PTG) in volunteers who participated in the relief efforts. A total of 169 volunteers participated in the quantitative phase, completing a standardized PTG measure. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 volunteers during the qualitative phase. The study found that gender had a significant effect on total PTG scores. Additionally, gender, earthquake experience, and volunteer organization were significant factors in the “change in self-concept” sub-dimension. Gender was the only significant factor in the “change in philosophy of life” sub-dimension. Qualitative analysis revealed that participants experienced trauma symptoms after the earthquake but also reported positive changes in self-concept and life philosophy. This study suggests that disasters can lead to PTG, despite the presence of trauma symptoms. Further research is needed to explore PTG in different disaster response groups.