Perceived Changes in Social Relations after Earthquake Trauma among Eastern Anatolian Women: Associated Factors and Mental Health Consequences

Abstract

In this study, we examined social relations in women exposed to earthquake trauma in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey. We examined women's perceptions regarding the changes in their social relations within their neighbourhood, within their marriage and with their children; analysed the factors that were associated with these relations; and tested the hypothesis that an improvement in social relations will protect women's mental health from the negative impact of earthquake trauma. Participants consisted of a random selection of 1253 women, who were interviewed regarding their psychosocial needs and mental health status 1 year after earthquake. They reported trauma-related changes in their social relations; their mental health was evaluated using the Post Traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale and Brief Symptom Inventory. Our study demonstrated severe earthquake trauma was associated with deteriorated social relations, especially neighbourhood and marital relations. Deteriorated marital and child relations were associated with increased levels of psychiatric distress; deteriorated neighbourhood relations were associated with intrusive posttraumatic stress symptoms. Improved neighbourhood relations, but not family relations, were able to protect women's mental health from the negative impact of trauma. The results are discussed regarding their relevance to gender effects and the provision of relation-specific and symptom-specific disaster relief. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A single prolonged stress paradigm produces enduring impairments in social bonding in monogamous prairie voles

“…The pair bond is a selective and enduring relationship between mating partners in social monogamous animals, including human beings [3–5]. Traumatic events deteriorate not only social relationships with friends but also marital relations [6]. Higher levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms are associated with lower couple functioning [7].…”

The mental health needs of women in natural disasters: A qualitative study with a preventive approach

“…stated that social media is a criterion for the improvement of mental well-being. [ 18 ] Some studies have noted the beneficial role of relationships,[ 10 19 20 ] mental and social care,[ 9 ] and women in the family. [ 21 ] Other important findings were social rights, access to social services, and social responsibility and commitment.…”

“…[ 9 ] Sezgin and Punamäki, in their study on the outcome of psychological well-being on 1253 women exposed to earthquake, reported that social connections preserve women's psychological well-being against the damages of the earthquake. [ 10 ]…”

Women's information needs in mental health in disasters

“…in regards to policy-making. [ 5 6 7 9 13 ] Creating mental health for each group is greatly dependent on cultural, spiritual, and social problems and follows a definition of health which includes all biopsychosocial aspects. This means that all these aspects should be considered to create the basis of mental health.…”

“…[ 11 ] In another study on women during Tsunami disaster in India, psychological and social care was introduced as an important and effective strategy for improving women's mental health during disasters. [ 12 ] Another study on 1253 female earthquake survivors indicated that social relations can protect women against mental health problems during earthquakes,[ 13 ] while a different study emphasized the importance of managing physical, psychological, emotional, fertility, and environmental consequences during these situations. [ 14 ] Other studies regarding health information needs of 235 nomadic women emphasized on hygiene, educational, religious, cultural, and financial needs.…”