Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology
Experiences, perceptions, and educational expectations of university students affected by the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye
Yeliz Temli-Durmuş 1 *
More Detail
1 Uşak University, Faculty of Education, Educational Sciences Department, Curriculum and Instruction, Uşak, Türkiye
* Corresponding Author
Open Access Full Text (PDF)
ARTICLE INFO

Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, 2026 - Volume 8 Issue 2, Article No: e45753
https://doi.org/10.33902/JPSP.202645753

Article Type: Research Article

Published Online: 29 Jun 2026

Views: 9 | Downloads: 3

ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to explore the experiences, perceptions, and educational expectations of university students enrolled in different faculties at Uşak University who were affected by the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. Designed as a case study, the research was carried out with the voluntary participation of 43 students from 10 different faculties. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. The data collection tool, developed by the author, consisted of five open-ended questions with accompanying sub-questions. Following a pilot study conducted with semi-structured interview questions, the questions were revised and transformed into open-ended questions in line with the case study design. During the coding process and the development of categories and themes, participant confirmation and expert opinions were obtained, and feedback on the themes and codes was taken into consideration. The findings were presented under four main themes: Daily Life, Educational Expectations, Emotions, and Future Plans. Overall, the findings indicated that the students’ daily routines changed considerably after the earthquakes and that they experienced difficulties in coping with these changes. Online education and group assignments were perceived as particularly challenging. Communication with university staff regarding students’ needs appeared to provide important psychological support. The findings also showed that individuals who had not previously been in contact re-established communication out of concern for one another. Finally, participants reported uncertainty about their future plans and expressed a need for additional time to make decisions about their future.
KEYWORDS
In-text citation: (Temli-Durmuş, 2026)
Reference: Temli-Durmuş, Y. (2026). Experiences, perceptions, and educational expectations of university students affected by the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, 8(2), e45753. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPSP.202645753
In-text citation: (1), (2), (3), etc.
Reference: Temli-Durmuş Y. Experiences, perceptions, and educational expectations of university students affected by the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology. 2026;8(2), e45753. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPSP.202645753
In-text citation: (1), (2), (3), etc.
Reference: Temli-Durmuş Y. Experiences, perceptions, and educational expectations of university students affected by the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology. 2026;8(2):e45753. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPSP.202645753
In-text citation: (Temli-Durmuş, 2026)
Reference: Temli-Durmuş, Yeliz. "Experiences, perceptions, and educational expectations of university students affected by the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye". Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology 2026 8 no. 2 (2026): e45753. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPSP.202645753
In-text citation: (Temli-Durmuş, 2026)
Reference: Temli-Durmuş, Y. (2026). Experiences, perceptions, and educational expectations of university students affected by the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, 8(2), e45753. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPSP.202645753
In-text citation: (Temli-Durmuş, 2026)
Reference: Temli-Durmuş, Yeliz "Experiences, perceptions, and educational expectations of university students affected by the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye". Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, vol. 8, no. 2, 2026, e45753. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPSP.202645753
REFERENCES
  • Acebes, S. J., Melitante, J., Tuble, N., & Toquero, C. M. D. (2022). Hopes, goals, hindrances, and solutions of students on forced digitalization of course learning amid pandemic. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, 4(2), 144–167. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPSP.202218002
  • Aydoğdu, F., & Fofana, A. (2023). Depremin küçük çocuklar üzerindeki etkileri ve müdahale programları [The effects of earthquakes on young children and intervention programs]. International Conference on Trends in Advanced Research, 1, 20–25. https://as-proceeding.com/index.php/ictar/article/view/176
  • Ayık, Y., Kaya, H., Sarışahin, S., Öztürk, B., & Kayıhan, H. (2025). Examination of the mental health status of university students directly or indirectly affected by the earthquake. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 88(10), 647–662. https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226251347192
  • Azak, T. E. & Ay, B. Ö. (2023). Characteristics of building stock in cities affected by the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes. Journal of Geological Engineering, 47(1), 47-66. https://doi.org/10.24232/jmd.1294425
  • Beaglehole, B., Mulder, R. T., Frampton, C. M., Boden, J. M., Newton-Howes, G., & Bell, C. J. (2018). Psychological distress and psychiatric disorder after natural disasters: Systematic review and meta-analysis. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 213(6), 716–722. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2018.210
  • Beruin, L. C. (2022). STEM students’ conceptions of online learning during COVID-19 pandemic: A phenomenographic study. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 6(4), 143–167. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202217716
  • Bonanno, G. A., Brewin, C. R., Kaniasty, K., & Greca, A. M. (2010). Weighing the costs of disaster: Consequences, risks, and resilience. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 11(1), 1–49. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100610387086
  • Bozgedik, A., Birekul, M., Oruç, M., & Tekin, N. (2024). Adaptation processes of families who experienced the earthquake to normal life in education and other issues: Example of February 6, 2023. Necmettin Erbakan University Journal of Ereğli Education Faculty 6(1), 369-384. https://doi.org/10.51119/ereegf.2024.87
  • Bugay Sökmez, A. (2025). Affetmek: Kendini ve başkalarını bağışlama sanatı [Forgiveness: The art of forgiving oneself and others]. Nobel.
  • Can, S. & Kerkez, F. İ. (2024). Emergency remote teaching process due to earthquake and face-to-face education after the earthquake: Alexithymia and nomophobia in physical education and sports teacher candidates. Journal of Global Sport and Education Research, 7(2), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.55142/jogser.1492999
  • Celik, A. A. & Gundogdu, K. (2022). Teachers’ opinions on disaster preparedness levels and disaster education practices in primary schools. Journal of the Institute of Social Sciences Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, 8(1), 77-112. https://doi.org/10.31463/aicusbed.1057401
  • Chen, Y., Lam, C., Deng, H., & Ko, K. Y. (2021). Changes over time in post-traumatic stress disorder among children who survived the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake and predictive variables. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, Article 691765. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.691765
  • Chogyel, N., Wangdi, N., & Dema, Y. (2021). Evaluating the challenges in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in a middle secondary school. International Journal of Didactical Studies, 2(2), 101459. https://doi.org/10.33902/IJODS.2021269731
  • Creswell, J., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2007). Understanding mixed methods research. In J. Creswell (Ed.), Designing and conducting mixed methods research (pp. 1-19). Sage.
  • Cvetković, V., Dragićević, S., Petrović, M., Mijaković, S., Jakovljević, V. & Gačić, J. (2015). Knowledge and perception of secondary school students in Belgrade about earthquakes as natural disasters. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 24(4), 1553-1561. https://doi.org/10.15244/pjoes/39702
  • Çetin Dagli, S., Tunalı Cokluk, S., Sert, A. & Yuksel, A. (2018). The longterm effect of van earthquake on medical student. Van Medical Journal, 25(3), 296-301. https://doi.org/10.5505/vtd.2018.58076
  • Dai, W., Chen, L., Lai, Z., Li, K., Wang, J., Liu, A., & Liu, J. (2016). The incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder among survivors after earthquakes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry, 16, 188. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-016-0891-9
  • Degirmenci, Y., Kuzey, M. & Yetisensoy, O. (2019). Disaster awareness and education in social studies textbooks. E-Kafkas Journal of Educational Research, 6(2), 33-46. https://doi.org/10.30900/kafkasegt.591345
  • Demirhan, M. & Uludag, O. (2024). Opinions of classroom teachers working in the earthquake region regarding their motivation. International Journal of Social and Human Sciences Research, 11(104), 450-459. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10732802
  • Demirci, H., Bilge, Y., Emiral, E., & Şen, S. (2024). Enhancing recovery in post-earthquake adolescents: Examining the impact of a psychoeducational intervention on traumatic stress symptoms and coping strategies. Current Psychology, 43, 26983–26996. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-06333-6
  • Dogan, F. & Kirkincioğlu, M. (2020). Determination of the situation about earthquake, fire and evacuation in preschool children (4-6 Age). ISG Academic, 2(2), 145-159. https://izlik.org/JA69FJ76TY
  • Drury, J., Brown, R., González, R., & Miranda, D. (2016). Emergent social identity and observing social support predict social support provided by survivors in a disaster: Solidarity in the 2010 Chile earthquake. European Journal of Social Psychology, 46(2), 209–223. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.2146
  • Ergunay, O. (2007). Türkiyenin afet profili [Turkey’s disaster profile]. In H. M. Öztürk (Ed.), TMMOB disaster symposium proceedings book (pp. 1-14). Gazi University Earthquake Research and Application Center.
  • Fu, Y., Chen, Y., Wang, J., Tang, X., He, J., Jiao, M., Yu, C., You, G., & Li, J. (2013). Analysis of prevalence of PTSD and its influencing factors among college students after the Wenchuan earthquake. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 7, Article 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/1753-2000-7-1
  • Gil‐Rivas, V., & Kilmer, R. P. (2016). Building community capacity and fostering disaster resilience. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 72(12), 1318-1332. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22281
  • Guo, Z., Che, Q., Wu, Z., & Shi, W. (2025). Effects of loneliness, social support, and social media use on post-traumatic stress symptoms among post-eathquake adolescents. Sichuan Mental Health, 38(1), 53-58. http://dx.doi.org/10.11886/scjsws20240402002
  • Harada, N., Shigemura, J., Tanichi, M., Kawaida, K., Takahashi, S., & Yasukata, F. (2015). Mental health and psychological impacts from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake disaster: A systematic literature review. Disaster and Military Medicine, 1(17), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40696-015-0008-x
  • Inal, E., Kaya, E. & Altıntaş, K. H. (2018). Evaluating the formal education in terms of sufficiency of disaster education in Turkey. Atatürk University Journal of Kazım Karabekir Education Faculty, 37, 114-127. https://izlik.org/JA75DA73RX
  • Jon, I., Lindell, M. K., Prater, C. S., Huang, S.-K., Wu, H.-C., Johnston, D. M., Becker, J. S., Shiroshita, H., Doyle, E. E. H., Potter, S. H., McClure, J., & Lambie, E. (2016). Behavioral response in the immediate aftermath of shaking: Earthquakes in Christchurch and Wellington, New Zealand, and Hitachi, Japan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(11), 1137. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13111137
  • Karaca, E., & Akyuz, D. (2024). Facilitating online learning environment in math classes: Teachers’ views and suggestions. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 8(3), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202426581
  • Kirikkaya, B.K., Unver, A.O., & Cakin, O. (2011). Teachers views on the topic of disaster education at the field on elementary science and technology curriculum. Necatibey Faculty of Education Electronic Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 5(1), 24-42. https://izlik.org/JA83MK58US
  • Lutz, W., Muttarak, R., & Striessnig, E. (2014). Universal education is key to enhanced climate adaptation. Science, 346(6213), 1061-1062. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1257975
  • Maya, I. & Caliskan, C. (2016). Evaluating disaster education and training programs at the level of undergraduate degree in the world and Turkey sample. Journal of Turkish Studies, 11(9), 579-604. http://dx.doi.org/10.7827/TurkishStudies.9761
  • Ministry of National Education [MoNE]. (2019). Okullarda afet ve acil durum yönetimi rehberi [Guide to disaster and emergency management in schools]. Author. https://tosya.meb.gov.tr/meb_iys_dosyalar/2019_06/26120652_okullarda_afet_ve_acil_durum_yonetimi_el_kitabi.pdf
  • Miyazaki, T. (2022). Impact of socioeconomic status and demographic composition on disaster mortality: Community-level analysis for the 2011 Tohoku tsunami. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 13, 913–924. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13753-022-00454-x
  • Nakajima, Ş. (2012). Post-Earthqake psychology. Okmeydanı Medicine Journal, 28, 150-155. https://doi.org/10.5222/otd.supp2.2012.150
  • Norris, F. H., Friedman, M. J., Watson, P. J., Byrne, C. M., Diaz, E., & Kaniasty, K. (2002). 60,000 disaster victims speak: Part I. An empirical review of the empirical literature, 1981–2001. Psychiatry: Interpersonal and Biological Processes, 65(3), 207-239. https://doi.org/10.1521/psyc.65.3.207.20173
  • North, C. S., & Pfefferbaum, B. (2013). Mental health response to community disasters: A systematic review. JAMA, 310(5), 507–518. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2013.107799
  • Ocal, A. (2005). The evaluation of earthquake education in the elementary school social studies courses. Gazi University Journal of Faculty of Education, 25(1), 169- 184. https://izlik.org/JA85YH99AZ
  • Özdoğan, A. Ç. (2021). Subjective well-being and social-emotional loneliness of university students: The mediating effect of the meaning of life. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 5(1), 18–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.33902/JPR.2021066865
  • Sahin, C. & Sipahioglu, S., (2002). Doğal afetler ve Türkiye [Natural disasters and Turkiye]. Gunduz Educational Publishing.
  • Sarzhanova, G., Nurgabdeshov, A., Omarova, M., & Tulepbayev, E. (2026). The comfortable educational environment as a contextual condition of students’ school connectedness: How school and family support interact in Kazakhstan’s secondary education. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 10(2), 17–35. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202642885
  • Sattayaraksa, W. D., Luangrangsee, P., Ratsameemonthon, C., & Sulisworo, D. (2023). Understanding how demographic factors influence faculty member's perceptions of online learning success: A case study in Thai private higher education. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 7(5), 48-68. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202323519
  • Sengün, H., & Kucuksen, M. (2019). Why is disaster management education necessary? Erciyes University Journal of Social Sciences Institute, 33(46), 193-211. https://izlik.org/JA57FT65LE
  • Siriwardena, M., Malalgoda, C., Thayaparan, M., Amaratunga, D., & Keraminiyage, K. (2013). A disaster resilient built environment: role of lifelong learning and the implications for higher education. International Journal of Strategic Property Management, 17(2), 174-187. https://doi.org/10.3846/1648715X.2013.806373
  • Tamer, İ., Koçak, U. Z., Karabay, D., & Özer Kaya, D. (2023). Physical activity and exercise approaches in coping with postearthquake circadian rhythm and sleep-wake disorders. İzmir Katip Çelebi University Faculty of Health Science Journal, 8(2), 685–690
  • Telli, S. G., & Altun, D. (2023). The indispensability of online learning after earthquakes in Turkey. Journal of University Research, 6(2), 125–136. https://doi.org/10.32329/uad.1268747
  • Temli-Durmus, Y. (2014). Teachers’ views on the science and technology curriculum. LAP Lambert.
  • Tuccar, E. & Yavuz, E. (2023). Psychosocial investigation of the effects of Kahramanmaraş Pazarcık earthquake (February 6, 2023) on individuals. Journal of Migration and Political Studies 1, 54-77. https://izlik.org/JA68FF37LM
  • Uguz, S. (2023). The invisible devastation of earthquakes: Their effects on people’s Psychological health. Turkish Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 17(1), 6–9. https://doi.org/10.21763/tjfmpc.1256896
  • Ullah, A., Ashraf, M., Ashraf, S., & Ahmed, S. (2021). Challenges of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic encountered by students in Pakistan. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, 3(1), 36–44. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPSP.2021167264
  • Yang, T., & Yu, L.-J. (2024). Factors affecting the construction of the theoretical model of subjective well-being of Chinese higher vocational college students. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 8(4), 420–436. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202429560
  • Yilmaz, Y., & Bahadir, E. (2025). Post-earthquake PTSD: Identifying key risk factors eleven months after the February 2023 Turkey earthquakes. Cumhuriyet Medical Journal, 47(1), 32–40. https://doi.org/10.7197/cmj.1646980
  • Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). Sage.
  • Wisner, B., Blaikie, P., Cannon, T., & Davis, L. (2004). At risk: Natural hazards, people’s vulnerability and disasters (2nd ed.). Routledge.
LICENSE
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.