Post-Earthquake Well-Being, Trauma, and Physical Activity Motivations in Young Adults
International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, cilt.28, sa.7, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 28 Sayı: 7
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.32604/ijmhp.2026.077338
- Dergi Adı: International Journal of Mental Health Promotion
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: physical activity, post-earthquake trauma, Psychological well-being, sport motivation, university students
- İnönü Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Large-scale earthquakes may substantially affect university students’ psychological functioning, motivation, and overall well-being. Understanding these multidimensional psychosocial processes is essential for developing effective post-disaster mental health and physical activity interventions. This study examined psychological well-being, post-earthquake trauma symptoms, recreational sport well-being, and sport motivation among university students studying in Türkiye’s earthquake-affected region. In addition, demographic and contextual factors were explored to better understand psychosocial differences in post-disaster adaptation. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed with 651 sport sciences students from two universities located in the 2023 earthquake zone. Data were collected using an online questionnaire including the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS), Post-Earthquake Trauma Assessment Scale (PETAS), Recreational Sport Well-Being Scale (RSWBS), and Sport Motivation Scale–6 (SMS-6). Group comparisons and associations were examined using nonparametric tests and Spearman correlations. Additional multivariate regression, mediation, and moderation analyses were conducted to clarify relationships among key variables. Results: Female students reported significantly higher trauma-related symptoms, whereas male students demonstrated higher psychological well-being (p = 0.047, r = 0.077). Higher income and advanced academic year were associated with higher well-being and recreational well-being scores (η2 = 0.014–0.028). Trauma symptoms were negatively associated with well-being indicators, while psychological and recreational well-being showed positive correlations (p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses indicated that emotional restriction and behavioral problems were the strongest negative predictors of well-being. Conclusion: The findings suggest that post-disaster psychosocial functioning among university students reflects a multidimensional structure in which trauma symptoms, well-being, motivation, and recreational engagement coexist in meaningful associations. Emotional processes, behavioral functioning, and socioeconomic resources appear particularly relevant for understanding well-being differences, supporting the importance of multidimensional, resource-sensitive post-disaster interventions in university settings.