Emotions, coping and psychological flexibility in earthquake survivors: a cross-sectional study

Earthquakes may play a role in the development of several psychological distresses or psychopathologies. Nevertheless, protective factors such as positive emotions, psychological flexibility, and coping mechanisms may be helpful for earthquake survivors in coping. On the other hand, the role of both positive and negative emotions of earthquake survivors in psychological flexibility and coping remains elusive. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the relationship between emotions, coping, and psychological flexibility levels of earthquake survivors considering positive and negative emotions together. A total of 330 adult participants of the cross-sectional study completed the Participant Information Form, Perceived Ability to Cope with Trauma (PACT), Psychological Flexibility (PF), and Positive-Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) scales. Participants were aged between 20 and 68 years (Mean ± SD = 42.42 + 12.88). It was determined that as the PACT levels increased, the PF and negative emotion levels increased yet positive emotion levels decreased. As the PF levels increased, the negative emotion levels increased yet the positive emotion levels decreased (p < 0.01). According to the established model, it was concluded that the PACT was related to positive-negative emotion levels and values, being in the moment, and dissociation sub-dimensions of PF were unrelated to contextual self and acceptance (p > 0.05). In conclusion, positive-negative emotions and PF were found to have a mediating role in the coping of earthquake survivors. Mental health professionals may contribute to increasing PACT in earthquake survivors through interventions aimed at maintaining positive emotions, recognizing negative emotions, and increasing PF.