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Goodbyes without farewells under the rubble: A phenomenological study of earthquake victim’s methods of coping with ambiguous loss

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  • Kübra Gülırmak Güler
  • Eda Albayrak

Abstract

Introduction: Ambiguous loss refers to the lack of clear information about the fate of a missing person or object. Aim: This study aims to examine in-depth the experiences of earthquake victims regarding the methods of coping with the uncertain losses they experienced after the Kahramanmaraş-based earthquake disaster on February 6, 2023. Methods: In this qualitative study conducted using phenomenological research design, the snowball sampling method, one of the purposive sampling methods, was used. Face-to-face, in-depth interviews of approximately 30 to 40 minutes were conducted with 20 earthquake victims reached by this method. Colaizzi’s phenomenological analysis method was used to analyze the data obtained. Data were collected by COREQ criteria. Results: According to the results of the analysis, three main categories ( inner journey and emotional transformation, bridges of solidarity built on destruction , and change and growth in life perspectives ) and nine themes ( whispers coming from under the rubble, the reaction of facing ambiguity, mental labyrinths in the search for meaning, hearts united amid destruction, the search for meaning in ambiguity and ways out of spiritual wreckage, growth among the rubble , and the value of transience and new horizons rising from the ruins ) emerged. Discussion: The research reveals that the coping methods adopted by earthquake victims in the face of personal and objective ambiguous losses range from spirituality to social support mechanisms. Implications for practice: In line with the results obtained from the findings, it is suggested that the coping strategies of earthquake victims should be strengthened, and new methods should be developed.

Suggested Citation

  • Kübra Gülırmak Güler & Eda Albayrak, 2024. "Goodbyes without farewells under the rubble: A phenomenological study of earthquake victim’s methods of coping with ambiguous loss," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 70(6), pages 1093-1107, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:70:y:2024:i:6:p:1093-1107
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640241255569
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Greg Guest & Emily Namey & Mario Chen, 2020. "A simple method to assess and report thematic saturation in qualitative research," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(5), pages 1-17, May.
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    1. Eda Albayrak Günday & Kübra Gülırmak Güler, 2025. "Learning to live with the unresolved grief of migration: The ambiguity of leaving behind after the earthquake and adaptation," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 71(6), pages 1040-1053, September.
    2. Elif Güzide Emirza & Sevda Uzun & Medine Şenses, 2025. "Through the eyes of healthcare professionals: Compassion fatigue and earthquake stress coping strategies of healthcare professionals in the disaster region following the Kahramanmaras centered earthquakes: A case-control study," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 71(3), pages 564-574, May.

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