The moderating role of depressive symptoms in the relationship between earthquake exposure severity and suicidal ideation among survivors of the February 6 to 7 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes, Turkiye

Background: Suicidal ideation (SI) is frequently observed in individuals exposed to traumatic events like earthquakes, with its intensity being influenced by factors such as the severity of earthquake exposure and depression. Therefore, identifying the key factors that contribute to suicidal ideation in individuals severely affected by earthquakes and those who have suffered significant harm is essential for minimizing the trauma’s impact through targeted psychosocial interventions. Aims: This study aims to identify the risk factors contributing to SI and examine whether depressive symptoms moderate the relationship between the severity of earthquake exposure and lifetime suicidal ideation among survivors of the February 6 to 7, 2023, earthquake in Turkiye. Method: This study was carried out with 186 earthquake survivors (women: 55.9% and men: 44.1%). The study design was cross-sectional and included self-report assessments. The Earthquake Experience Questionnaire (EEQ), the Anxiety Subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used in the study. Results: A significant interaction was observed only between depressive symptoms and earthquake experience in predicting lifetime SI. Among individuals with moderate to high levels of depression, SI decreased as the severity of earthquake experience increased. Conclusion: The findings suggest that positive psychological processes, such as post-traumatic growth, may reduce SI. However, depression remains a significant risk factor, highlighting the need for effective treatment and psychological recovery support after trauma.