Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026

The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
Published on: November 19, 2015
Perceived social support levels among university students following the 2011 earthquake in Van, Turkey
Sukriye Ilkay Guner1, Nurgul Ozdemir2
1School of Health, Department of Nursing, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey.
Objective:
To evaluate the perceived social support levels of students after an earthquake.
Methods:
This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted between June and July 2012 in Van, Turkey, following an earthquake in the region. Sample comprised students at the midwifery and nursing department of Yuzuncu Yil University, Turkey. Data was collected using a questionnaire including student information and the multidimensional scale of perceived social support inventory. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS 17.
Results:
Of the 650 subjects, 461(70.9%) migrated away from the city following the earthquake, while 189(29%) stayed back, and, of them, 98(52%) students stayed in tents and 52(27.5%) in containers. The mean perceived social support level of students was 58.9±17.9 and the level of perceived social support increased as respondents' age, class and economic status increased (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
Perceived social support was found to be affected by variables such as university year, age and relation with friends, economic status and migration status after the earthquake.
Related Concept Videos
Social Traps
Social Exchange Theory
Social Proof
Van der Waals Interactions
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
Social Scripts

