Factors Affecting Separation Anxiety Disorder in Adolescent Earthquake Survivors: The Case of Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes (2023)

Objective The Kahramanmaras Earthquakes (2023) are the largest and most devastating earthquakes in the history of the Republic. The effects of these earthquakes are particularly deeply felt among younger generations and trigger various psychological factors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to measure the levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social phobia (SP), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and depression on separation anxiety disorder (SAD) among adolescent earthquake survivors affected by the Kahramanmaras Earthquakes (2023). Methods In the study, the data were obtained using a survey method. A total of 605 adolescent earthquake survivors exposed to the Kahramanmaras earthquakes were reached. The research was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results Surprisingly, according to the research findings, there was no significant and positive relationship between SP (β = -0.006, P > 0.05) and Depression (β = -0.117, P > 0.05) on SAD. Conclusions Consequently, while PTSD and GAD had significant and positive effects on SAD in those adolescent earthquake survivors affected by the Kahramanmaras Earthquakes (2023), SP and Depression did not have significant and positive effects on SAD. Therefore, it is recommended that future studies examine the effects of SP and Depression on SAD more comprehensively and in detail through qualitative research.